This delicious, healthy slow cooker recipe is as easy as it is versatile. This flavor-packed chicken is perfect for burrito bowls, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of flavorful cilantro-lime rice.
8servings
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 3 hourshours
Ingredients
2lbs.bonelessskinless chicken thighs
210 oz.cans Rotel fire-roasted diced tomatoes & green chiliesundrained
215 oz.cans black beansrinsed and drained
3-4teaspoonminced garlic
1small jalapeno pepperfinely diced
1.5tablespoonhickory-flavored liquid smoke
2teaspoonground cumin
1tablespoonchili powder
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
2teaspoondried oregano
1teaspooncayenne pepperto taste
Salt and black pepper
2limesquartered
¼ c. fresh cilantro, choppedfor garnish
Instructions
Place chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker. Top with tomatoes, black beans, garlic, jalapeno pepper, liquid smoke, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken thighs are coated and submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. 30 minutes before serving, remove lid and shred chicken while in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir to combine shredded chicken with other ingredients. Cover and cook for remaining 30 minutes to allow chicken to absorb the flavors.
Squeeze fresh lime juice into the crock. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
To serve, spoon chicken mixture over plain rice or cilantro-lime rice. Serve with remaining lime wedges or cilantro.
TO MAKE AS A FREEZER MEAL
Label a gallon sized freezer bag. Add chicken, tomatoes, black beans, garlic, jalapeno pepper, liquid smoke, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Remove excess air and lay flat to freeze.
TO COOK FROM FREEZER MEAL
Thaw and cook as outlined above.
Tip: Don’t skip the squeeze of fresh lime juice after cooking. It really brightens the flavors and pulls them all together.Don't have a fresh jalapeno? Jarred jalapenos work as a great substitution!
Notes
Tip: Don’t skip the squeeze of fresh lime juice after cooking. It really brightens the flavors and pulls them all together.Don't have a fresh jalapeno? Jarred jalapenos work as a great substitution!