Crock pot cilantro lime chicken, deconstructed!

If you are like me, heating up the kitchen during the summer months is not an option.  If I don’t have time to grill, I turn to my crock pot. 

This recipe is one of my favorites.  Simply add the ingredients to your crock pot and walk away.  In hours, you have a flavorful chicken ready for use in tacos, fajitas, or in sandwiches.  If there are leftovers, simply make a Mexican chicken salad (onions, peppers, corn and black beans with lime-cilantro dressing) the next day!

I add a splash of beer to my crock pot, though it isn’t required.  I think it gives the chicken an extra kick!

Cilantro lime chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

16. oz jar salsa

Optional:  one jalapeno pepper, diced, seeds removed if desired

1 pkg. Taco seasoning

¼ c. fresh lime juice (Reserve juiced lime and cut into quarters)

1 TB. dried cilantro

Optional:  ¼ c. beer

Add the salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, juiced lime, beer, and cilantro to the crock pot and stir.  Add the chicken breasts, and coat with the salsa mixture.

Cover the crock pot, and cook on high until tender, about four hours.  (The chicken may also be cooked on low for six to eight hours.)

Shred the chicken, and serve in taco shells, tortillas, or on rolls.  Add additional salsa, onions, peppers or cilantro if desired.

Cilantro lime chicken, deconstructed 

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

16 oz. jar salsa 

>Health alert:  Commercially made salsa may contain all sorts of interesting ingredients.  It may be high in salt or sugar.  It may contain MSG or thickeners.  If any of these are a dietary concern, check the product labels carefully.  In the alternative, make your own.  (see the recipe below) and adjust the ingredients as necessary.

Optional:  one jalapeno pepper, diced, seeds removed if desired

1 pkg. Taco seasoning

>Health alert:  Prepackaged taco seasoning may contain excessive salt or MSG.  If this is a dietary concern, check the product labels carefully.  In the alternative, make your own (see recipe below), and adjust the ingredients as necessary.

¼ c. fresh lime juice (juiced lime reserved and cut into quarters)

1 TB. dried cilantro

Optional:  ¼ c. beer

(Follow the instructions above.)

Easy salsa

2 c. chopped tomatoes, seeds removed

6 cloves minced garlic

1 medium onion, diced

½ red bell pepper, diced and seeds removed

1 jalapeno pepper, diced and seeds removed

1 TB. lime juice

¼ c. fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and chop until the mixture  reaches the desired consistency.

Taco seasoning

1 TB. chili powder

1 ½ tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1 tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. paprika

¼ tsp. garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and dry oregano

Pour all of the ingredients into a zipped plastic bag and shake well. This recipe creates the equivalent of one store-bought seasoning envelope.