Tequila Lime Chicken (Slow Cooker Recipe)

📝Shopping list

To make this amazing tequila chicken you will need:

• non stick cooking spray
• boneless, skinless chicken thighs*
• tequila - blanco or reposado
• fresh lime juice
• agave syrup
• garlic - pressed or minced
• dried cilantro
• cumin
• chili powder
• salt - plus some extra to taste
• zest of ½ lime
• fresh cilantro garnish (optional)

This flavorful and amazing chicken is a real treat. It is a super easy recipe to make with simple ingredients that can be found in any grocery store. And - tequila!

The tequila in this dish adds an extra citrus-like kick to the sauce for this chicken. It is perfect for special days like Cinco De Mayo but easy enough to turn any day into a celebration!

🔪Instructions

Start by spraying your slow cooker with a non-stick cooking spray. Add chicken and all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉. Remove lid and allow to cook without it for the last 30 - 60 minutes to cook off alcohol.

Once finished cooking, remove chicken from slow cooker and cut into strips. Taste and add salt as needed to marinade.

Cooking with tequila in a slow cooker

When using tequila in a slow cooker, the alcohol will not cook off the way it does in an open pan. When you first remove the lid to check on the chicken, you may get a facefull of alcohol fumes (at least I do!).

The alcohol cooks off through the steam as it is released. Since part of slow cooking involves trapping the steam in the pot, the alcohol vapers have nowhere to go. Cooking without the lid for a bit will allow the alcohol content in the tequila lime marinade to cook down.

Be sure to test taste the sauce before serving. If the sauce still has too much of an alcohol taste, remove chicken cook and cook sauce alone on high heat. Another 30-60 minutes can make a big difference.

🍽Serving suggestions

This amazing crock pot chicken dish is delicious served many ways. It is awesome in soft corn tortillas, crisp taco shells or a taco bowl. Or, make a big batch and add it as an option to your next taco bar!

All the usual taco fixings such as shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream are perfect with this chicken. Fresh salsa, diced red onion, lime wedges, and black beans are also great additions.

Serve in chicken taco salads or tequila chicken rice bowls for a different twist. This dish is also amazing served on top of a bed of Mexican quinoa!

🔁Substitutions

1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs.
2. If you would rather not use alcohol, try using a non-alcoholic tequila or even chicken broth.

🍗A Note About Slow Cooker Chicken

Chicken in the crock pot  can be a bit tricky. Boneless chicken breasts can dry out and get tough if overcooked. Dark meat is a little more forgiving and flexible and won't dry out quite as fast.

I find that the best way to ensure juicy, tender breast every time is to use a meat thermometer. Towards the end of cooking time, use the thermometer to test the internal temperature of larger chicken pieces. Chicken is considered safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.

Storing

Store leftovers of this easy slow cooker chicken recipe in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.

😉Hints & hacks

1. Leftover chicken from this recipe makes amazing chicken salad!
2. Although a good tequila is wonderful in this recipe, feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
3. Store leftovers in meal-sized portions for easy, next day reheat-and-eat.
4. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
5. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!