Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken: 3 Powerful Flavors in 1 Dish

Name: Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (full fat or light); Zest and juice of 2 limes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a recipe that feels like a mini tropical getaway without the plane ticket (or the sand in your shoes), this Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken is exactly what your weeknight dinner rotation needs. Creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, and tender chicken all slow-cooked together—it’s basically a vacation in a bowl. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. (Yes, dinner can taste like sunshine with zero effort!)

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken

Set it and forget it: Toss everything in, hit start, and go live your life.
Fresh, bright flavor: Lime zest and juice add that pop of freshness to balance the creamy coconut milk.
Family-friendly: Comforting enough for picky eaters, but flavorful enough for adults.
Meal prep magic: Leftovers reheat beautifully, so tomorrow’s lunch is already handled.

This recipe has been a lifesaver for me on those weeks when my to-do list feels like it could wrap around the block. I’d throw this in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, the whole house smelled like I’d spent hours in the kitchen. (Spoiler: I didn’t!)

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (full fat or light)
Zest and juice of 2 limes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)

How to Make Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken

Making this dish is as simple as it gets. You don’t need fancy equipment or special skills—just a few fresh ingredients, your trusty slow cooker, and about 10 minutes of prep. Here’s how it comes together:

Add the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs directly into the bottom of the crockpot. No need to sear or fuss with them ahead of time—the slow cooker will make them fall-apart tender.
Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime zest and juice, garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and black pepper. The lime zest is the secret here—it gives a bright, citrusy kick that balances the richness of the coconut milk.
Pour and cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure the meat is well coated. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, depending on your schedule. Either way, you’ll end up with juicy chicken that practically shreds itself.
Check doneness: Before serving, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the golden number for safe, tender chicken.
Add the fresh finish: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro. This keeps it bright and fresh instead of cooking the herbs down.
Serve and enjoy: Spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice (or quinoa if you’re feeling virtuous). Sprinkle with extra cilantro for that pop of color and freshness. You can also pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh green salad for balance.

That’s it! No endless steps, no hovering over the stove—just set, walk away, and let your crockpot work its magic while your house fills with the aroma of creamy lime goodness.

Tips for the Best Coconut Lime Chicken

Don’t skip the lime zest: The zest packs way more punch than the juice alone.
Chicken thighs = extra tender: Breasts work fine, but thighs bring that melt-in-your-mouth factor.
Want it creamier? Go full-fat on the coconut milk. If you’re watching calories, light coconut milk still tastes great.
Pair it up: White rice, brown rice, or even quinoa all soak up that dreamy sauce beautifully.

(And if your sauce looks a little thin at the end, don’t panic. Just ladle it over rice—it’s basically edible liquid sunshine.)

Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken with tender chicken in creamy coconut lime sauce served alongside fluffy white rice. — This Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken is slow-cooked to perfection with zesty lime, creamy coconut milk, and fresh cilantro over rice.

FAQs About Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken

Can I make this with frozen chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cook time slightly. For food safety, I recommend thawing chicken first if possible.

What can I serve with this dish?

Rice is the classic choice, but it’s also delicious with roasted veggies or cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it lighter.

Can I store leftovers?

Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better by the next day.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently.

Bring a Little Sunshine to Your Table

This Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or complicated. With bright citrus, creamy coconut, and the hands-off magic of the slow cooker, it’s the perfect way to bring a little joy (and a lot of flavor) to your weeknight dinners. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be putting this one on repeat.

More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more cozy and flavorful recipes to add to your slow cooker lineup? Here are a few delicious options that pair perfectly with the flavors of this dish:

If you love tropical vibes, try these sweet and tangy Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs.
For a hearty, comforting dinner, nothing beats a bowl of Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew.
Craving another chicken dish? This creamy and flavorful Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken and Orzo will win over the whole family.
Hosting a get-together? Add some fun to the table with this crowd-pleasing Slow Cooker Queso Spinach Dip.