Cilantro Lime Infused Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Transform your dinner experience with this delicious Cilantro Lime Infused Slow Cooker Whole Chicken. This recipe combines the zesty brightness of lime with the aromatic freshness of cilantro, creating a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep work and hands-free cooking, you can come home to a tender, juicy chicken that's not only a delightful main course, but also versatile enough for tacos, salads, or sandwiches. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas.
4-6
Servings
258
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
broiler chicken
3-4 lbs (whole)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
lime
1 (juiced and halved)
fresh cilantro stems
1/2 cup (whole)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
Instructions
1
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2
Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity, reserving them for another use.
3
Generously season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
4
Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, positioning it breast side up for even cooking.
5
Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice over the chicken, allowing the zestiness to infuse the meat.
6
Insert the remaining lime halves, fresh cilantro stems, and peeled garlic cloves into the cavity of the chicken.
7
Cover the slow cooker, set it to the low setting, and let it cook for 6 to 7 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.
8
Once cooked, carefully transfer the chicken to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm.
9
Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a separate container and allow it to cool; refrigerate the liquid for future use in soups, sauces, or as a marinade.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
1g
Carbs
37g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cilantro Lime Infused Slow Cooker Whole Chicken?
It is a flavorful main course that combines the brightness of lime with fresh cilantro, prepared in a slow cooker for a tender and juicy result.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes between 4 to 6 servings.
What is the recommended cooking time for the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The internal temperature should reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.
What size chicken should I use?
A broiler chicken weighing 3-4 lbs is recommended for this recipe.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Rinse the chicken under cold water, pat it dry, remove the giblets, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Where should the lime halves be placed?
After squeezing the juice over the chicken, place the remaining lime halves inside the cavity of the chicken.
What other ingredients go into the chicken cavity?
In addition to the lime halves, you should insert fresh cilantro stems and peeled garlic cloves into the cavity.
How should the chicken be positioned in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be placed breast side up to ensure even cooking.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 258 calories, 12g of fat, 1g of carbohydrates, and 37g of protein.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the chicken is versatile enough for use in tacos, salads, or sandwiches.
What should I do with the leftover cooking liquid?
Strain the liquid, let it cool, and refrigerate it for future use in soups, sauces, or as a marinade.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 peeled garlic cloves.
Should the cilantro stems be chopped?
No, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of whole fresh cilantro stems.
How much salt and pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this a low-carbohydrate meal?
Yes, with only 1g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a very low-carb option.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
No, there is no sugar included in this recipe.
Can I use the chicken for taco filling?
Yes, 'taco filling' is one of the primary tags and recommended uses for this chicken.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is an easy dinner and comfort food recipe featuring Mexican flavors.
What type of lime preparation is required?
The lime should be juiced and then the remaining halves should be saved for the cavity.
How do I keep the chicken warm after cooking?
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and cover it with foil to retain heat.
Is any oil or butter needed for the slow cooker?
The recipe does not list any added oils or fats; the chicken cooks in its own juices and the lime juice.
Does the chicken have a high protein content?
Yes, it contains a significant 37g of protein per serving.
What should I do with the giblets and neck?
Remove them from the cavity and reserve them for another use, such as making homemade stock.
What makes the chicken 'infused'?
The chicken is infused by placing lime juice, lime halves, cilantro stems, and garlic inside the cavity and slow cooking them together.
Can I use this for salads?
Yes, the recipe description notes that the meat is versatile enough for salads.
Is the chicken skin supposed to be crispy?
Slow cooking typically results in very tender skin rather than crispy skin. For crispier skin, you might need to briefly broil it after slow cooking.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
No, the nutritional data indicates there is no fiber in this chicken recipe.
What aromatic ingredients are used?
The aromatic ingredients include fresh cilantro stems and garlic cloves.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Based on the ingredients listed (chicken, salt, pepper, lime, cilantro, garlic), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.