Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
8
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Course
Main Course
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
Description
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken brings together chicken breasts cooked slowly in a flavorful blend of mild salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Olive oil helps coat the chicken, while liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky note. The chicken is cooked until tender, then shredded and returned to the slow cooker to soak up the flavors further. Fresh lime juice is squeezed over the finished chicken, providing a sharp, fresh contrast.
The resulting shredded chicken is juicy and seasoned, ideal for Mexican-inspired meals, especially as a filling for tacos or burritos or served over rice with beans and vegetables.
For convenience, this dish can be made ahead and frozen. Once cooked, cool the shredded chicken completely before sealing it in freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a microwave or on the stove to maintain moisture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast large, boneless, skinless
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup mild salsa
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies Rotel brand
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin garlic powder, onion powder and salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika dry oregano and pepper
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice fresh
Instructions
- Spray a large slow cooker with non-stick spray. Set chicken breasts inside. Pour olive oil over chicken and stir to coat. Add all of the remaining ingredients to chicken except for the lime juice.
- Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 4 hours.
- Carefully remove chicken to a cutting board. Shred. Place shredded chicken back in slow cooker and cover with lid. Let cook another 30 minutes. Squeeze fresh lime juice over chicken then serve.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the chicken fully before shredding to ensure tenderness and ease of shredding.
- Cool shredded chicken completely before freezing in airtight freezer bags to preserve flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the microwave or on the stove.
- Add fresh lime juice at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh note that balances the smoky and spicy flavors.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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