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Bold flavors. Zero fuss. Endless possibilities.

If you’re on the hunt for a slow cooker meal that practically makes itself and works in everything from burrito bowls to tacos to lettuce wraps—this Mexican Shredded Chicken is calling your name. It’s smoky, spicy, a little tangy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, go about your day, and come back to a pot full of tender, juicy, flavor-packed chicken.

And here’s the pro move: don’t skip that squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end. It makes all the difference—brightens everything up and ties all those spices together in the best way.

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⏱ Quick Look:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3–8 hours
  • Serves: 4–6

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1½ Tbsp hickory-flavored liquid smoke
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 limes, quartered
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

👩‍🍳 How to Make It:

  1. Layer it up:
    Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 5–6 quart slow cooker. Add the tomatoes (with their juice), black beans, garlic, jalapeño, liquid smoke, and all the spices. Give everything a good stir to coat the chicken and make sure it’s nestled in that flavorful liquid.
  2. Let it slow cook:
    Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  3. Shred & soak up the flavor:
    About 30 minutes before it’s done, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir well so all that shredded goodness soaks up the sauce. Pop the lid back on and let it simmer in flavor for the last half hour.
  4. Finish with lime & cilantro:
    Just before serving, squeeze the juice from one or two lime wedges over the chicken, then stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

🍽️ Serving Ideas:

Spoon this juicy shredded chicken over this cilantro-lime rice, tuck it into tacos or lettuce wraps, or build the burrito bowl of your dreams. Top with avocado, a drizzle of this cilantro-lime sauce, and serve with extra lime wedges on the side for good measure.

This recipe is a meal prepper’s dream, too—it keeps beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers all week long!

If you’re on the hunt for a slow cooker meal that practically makes itself and works in everything from burrito bowls to tacos to lettuce wraps—this Mexican Shredded Chicken is calling your name. It’s smoky, spicy, a little tangy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, go about your day, and come back to a pot full of tender, juicy, flavor-packed chicken.