A light, bright slow cooker tequila chicken recipe that's easy to prep and has lots of fresh lime flavor and just the right balance of spices.
One recent weekend, following a batch of delicious margaritas, I felt inspired to put my tequila to use in new ways.
I made this slow cooker tequila chicken for the first time.
I wanted a slow cooker version so I could just let it go all day long while I was out playing and running around with the kids.
(And because I vowed to use my slow cooker all spring and summer, not just in the winter months!)
We devoured it! The sunshine, the fresh air and the lingering weekend vibes really made this seem so bright and fresh.
I know, that's not always true of slow cooker recipes. I was thrilled!
You’ll get a great hit of lime, a good dose of chili and cumin spices running through it and just an undertone of tequila.
I served it as a rice bowl, but you could absolutely make tacos or enchiladas with this shredded chicken too.
And while this makes A LOT, you could easily halve the recipe.
Or make the full batch because the leftovers freeze great. (Another favorite thing about slow cooker recipes to me - it's often cook once, eat twice.)
And because you can use this chicken so many different ways, it's really kinda nice to make the whole thing and have extras for another day.
If you are a Mexican food junkie like me, and especially if you have a soft spot for margaritas, you will love this easy tequila chicken.
(Which you should, of course, serve with some margaritas.)
Salud!
XO,
Kathryn
Slow Cooker Tequila Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup tequila (preferably a dark tequila)
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 4 limes, divided
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 1 jalapeno, membranes and seeds removed, finely chopped
- ½ medium red onion, chopped (a heaping cup or so)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- For serving: brown rice, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado slices
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients, reserving one lime for later, in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred with two forks then stir it back into the sauce. (It will seem like a lot of sauce but the chicken soaks up almost all of it.)
- Squeeze the juice of the remaining lime over the chicken and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve over brown rice and top with Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro and avocado slices. (Or use for tacos or enchiladas.)
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food
I love that you've decided to use your slow cooker all Spring and Summer long! I feel the same way about my pressure cooker now. You go girl 😉 ! I have a like/not like relationship with tequila. I enjoy margaritas, though I haven't had one in a long time, but I do recall many many years ago not feeling quite so well after having a couple of tequila shots. But, I'm more mature and sensible now (so I tell myself) so I wouldn't dare touch shots. This recipe looks delicious, Kathryn. So different and loads of flavour in there...just what I like! Pinned. Have a great weekend. xo
Kathryn
Thanks Dawn! Glad I'm not the only one with a shaky history with tequila 😉 Have a wonderful rest of the week! XO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Tequila and I are always on good terms. 😉 And great minds think alike, because I have a tequila based chicken recipe coming up soon! But mine isn't as genius as yours, because I didn't use my BFF the slow cooker!! Womp Womp for me. I use the slow cooker more in the summer than I do the winter, so this chicken is seriously calling my name! Love this, girlfriend! Cheers!
Kathryn
Tequila twinsies!! 🙂 And see, you're smart for already using your slow cooker all the time in the summer. It's my goal this year 🙂
Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry
I've never heard of tequila chicken, but it sounds delish! Tequila-infused chicken made in the slow cooker? Sounds great Kathryn!! 😀
Kathryn
You will love it Lisa!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is such a great summertime slow cooker recipe! You know how much I love any and all slow cooker chickens!
Kathryn
The best, right?! Thanks Rebecca 🙂
Deanna Segrave-Daly
I feel the exact same way about tequila - I'm not really a snob when it comes to alcohol but only the finer tequila for me and my margaritas for the exact reason you pointed out. Pinning this one!
Kathryn
Haha, glad we're on the same page here! Thanks Deanna!
jayne
You had me at Tequila! ha ha. seriously though this sounds super tasty what a great recipe
Kathryn
Thanks Jayne 🙂
Karly
Oh, tequila. It can be our best friend or our worst enemy, it seems! In this case, it's definitely our friend. Love this idea and that it can be used so many ways! I've gotta try it out!
Kathryn
Thanks Karly! Yes, it's very versatile! And oh so easy 🙂
Ginger Wroot
Tequila is my fav hard liquor, but I've actually never cooked with it! Your chicken tequila recipe, though, may change that! Pinned, and looking forward to trying it soon! --Ginger
http://gingerwroot.com
Kathryn
Thanks Ginger! Hope you give it a try!
Julianna
Oh yum! I just happen to have a bottle of tequila in my pantry, so I think I am going to put it to good use this week. Your recipe sounds amazing! Thanks so much!
Kathryn
How convenient 😉 Thanks Julianna, hope you do give it a try!
Frugal Hausfrau
Does this ever sound delish!! I'm pinning! I had an experience like that way back when with Jack Daniels and I couldn't touch any bourbon or whiskey type drink for years...
Thanks for joining us again at Throwback Thursday!!
Mollie
Kathryn
Haha, glad I'm not the only one Mollie 😉
Nancy | Plus Ate Six
Last time I drank tequila it made me cry! Maybe I just drank too much - who knows. It's been a long time between tequila shots though let me tell you! BUT - we have tequila in the house. And since I don't want to drink it, I can now cook with it. Love all your slow cooker recipes - keep 'em coming 🙂
Kathryn
Haha, well stay clear of the margaritas then and cook with tequila instead 😉
Quinn Caudill
Good tequila is the best, cheap tequila makes you do things you might regret the next day:)) I love tequila lime grilled chicken and making it in the crockpot is genius. Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday. Pinned!
Kathryn
Haha, wise words Quinn! Thanks 🙂