Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled chicken simmered in a tangy honey-lime sauce, perfect for flavorful tacos with fresh toppings. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 370 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, honey, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup chicken broth.
  2. Step 2: Stir to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks, then return it to the sauce and stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the pulled chicken evenly among the tortillas and topping with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup diced red onion.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 370 minutes (10 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep honey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Honey-Lime Pulled Chicken Tacos?

Mexican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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