Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken

This slow cooker chipotle chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish, perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads. Packed with nutrients and bold flavors, it's an easy chipotle chicken recipe that fits seamlessly into your healthy eating routine.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

2 garlic cloves, peeled
3 chipotle chiles (from a can)
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cacao powder or good-quality cocoa powder
2-2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice from ½ lime
Optional toppings: warm tortillas, red cabbage and sweet corn slaw, sliced avocado, sour cream, cotija cheese or shredded cheddar

Instructions

In a mini food processor, combine the garlic cloves, chipotle chiles, orange juice, brown sugar, and cacao powder. Blend until smooth.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then toss them with the sauce in a bowl. Marinate overnight if desired to deepen the flavor.
Transfer the chicken and sauce to your slow cooker, spreading everything evenly. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
If serving as tacos, layer the shredded chicken into tortillas and add desired toppings like slaw, avocado, and cheese.