Print

Easy Crockpot Salsa Chicken with Lime Rice Recipe

crockpot salsa chicken with lime rice - featured image
Print Recipe

This crockpot salsa chicken with lime rice is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. With just five minutes of prep, you get tender, flavorful chicken and bright, citrusy rice that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups (480ml) chunky salsa
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
  • 2–3 fresh limes (zest and juice)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub spices into the chicken.
  2. Pour salsa evenly over the seasoned chicken. Do not add extra liquid.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks. Stir into the salsa mixture.
  5. About 20 minutes before serving, bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
  6. While rice is hot, stir in butter until melted. Add lime zest (from about 2 limes) and juice of those limes. Stir in chopped cilantro. Adjust lime juice to taste.
  7. Serve salsa chicken over lime rice. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, or avocado if desired.

Notes

For thicker sauce, let chicken cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes after shredding. Use fresh limes for best flavor. Toasting rice in butter before adding broth adds extra flavor. Leftover chicken keeps 3-4 days in fridge; rice keeps about 2 days. Chicken freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot salsa chicken, slow cooker chicken, lime rice, easy weeknight dinner, salsa chicken recipe

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-crockpot-salsa-chicken-with-lime-rice-recipe/