Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken
When I think of a meal that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds, slow cooker honey lime chicken instantly comes to mind.
Equipment
- Bowl
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice—the star of the show bringing brightness to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin—to add a warm earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil—for richness and depth.
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt—for balance.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips—the protein that absorbs all the tantalizing flavors.
- ¼ cup raw honey—providing the perfect touch of sweetness to contrast the acidity of lime.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika—bringing a hint of smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder—for that irresistible garlicky kick.
- 1 cup mild green salsa salsa verde—for additional zest and spice.
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro—to garnish and add brightness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder—for a subtle sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder—to enhance the flavor profile with a bit of heat.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander—an aromatic addition to round out the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper—for a touch of warmth.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- First things first, before anything else, ensure you have all your ingredients ready and measured out. This saves time and makes the process smoother. There’s nothing worse than hunting for missing ingredients while chicken waits in limbo!
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper. As you combine these ingredients, the zesty aroma fills the room. This is your marinade, and it’s the magic potion that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker
- Next, place the chicken tenders or strips into your slow cooker. If you’re using frozen chicken, don’t worry; the slow cooker does a fantastic job of cooking it evenly. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is coated.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a bit of the green salsa at this stage; it adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Add the Salsa Verde
- Now, pour the remaining salsa over the seasoned chicken. This gives you that nice green color and further balances the sweetness of the honey. If cilantro is your jam, sprinkle some in now as well.
Step 5: Set the Timer
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours. As the chicken cooks, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone asking what’s for dinner.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
- When the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot, stirring it back into the sauce for a few minutes to soak up even more flavor. Voilà! Your honey lime chicken is now ready to serve!
Notes
- A Little Lime Goes a Long Way: Adjust lime juice according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount gradually.
- Bee-Licious Swap: If you want to lower the sugar, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for cooking or adjust the honey amount.
- Protein Flexibility: Chicken isn’t the only option! Try substituting with pork tenderloin or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicing It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Marinating Magic: If you have extra time, marinate your chicken overnight for a deeper flavor infusion.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 28gFat: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 7g
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