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Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 196 reviews

This Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and pepper, slow-cooked with chicken broth and lime juice, then finished with creamy heavy cream and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s delicious served over rice or quinoa.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup lime juice

Finishing Ingredients

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

  1. Rub the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs to infuse flavor.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken thighs on each side until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds depth of flavor.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Liquids: Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth and lime juice over the chicken to create a flavorful braising liquid.
  4. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Add Cream and Cilantro: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Stir in heavy cream and chopped cilantro to the cooking liquid, creating a creamy sauce.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker, then return the chicken to the sauce. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy cilantro lime chicken over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro if desired for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Browning the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Adjust lime juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
  • Use chicken breast if preferred, but thighs yield more tender results.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a lighter cream alternative.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/slow-cooker-creamy-cilantro-lime-chicken-recipe/