Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 large bell peppers (mixed colors)
1 large yellow or white onion
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
Spice blend (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice + zest
2 tbsp avocado or olive oil
1 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
a splash of apple cider vinegar (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth (optional)
Instructions
1-Pat chicken dry: Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels to prevent steaming.
2-Cut chicken and mix spices: Cut chicken into 1.5 inch pieces and mix all dry spices together in a small bowl.
3-Coat chicken and rest: Toss chicken in spice mixture until fully coated, then let rest for 15 minutes.
4-Layer vegetables and chicken: Layer half of the sliced peppers and onions in the crockpot, place seasoned chicken on top, and do not stir.
5-Add lime and oil: Add lime juice, lime zest, and 1 tablespoon oil over the chicken without adding extra liquid.
6-Slow cook chicken: Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-2.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF.
7-Remove and shred chicken: Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken, reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup juices, and shred with two forks.
8-Sear shredded chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high, add shredded chicken, cook undisturbed 2-3 minutes until golden, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes.
9-Sautรฉ peppers and onions: Add 1 teaspoon oil to the same skillet, sautรฉ remaining raw peppers and onions for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender and lightly charred.
10-Combine and season: Fold seared chicken and vegetables together, then season with salt, pepper, and a final squeeze of lime.
11-Serve: Serve immediately in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings.
Last Step:
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๐ก Never skip the final sear โ it creates the golden crust and deep, savory flavor the slow cooker alone cannot produce.
๐ก๏ธ Always use LOW or HIGH setting only (never WARM) and verify the chicken reaches 165ยฐF with a meat thermometer.
๐ง Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning โ any surface moisture will cause steaming instead of flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker & Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
