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Cuban-Style Slow Cooker Chicken

This easy slow cooker recipe brings bold Cuban flavors to tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas.

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TIME3 hr 15 min
SERVINGS4
RATING5.0 / 5
Cuban-Style Slow Cooker Chicken COOKBOOK / 4257
01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Adjust servings4
02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Layer and Cook Chicken

Start by spreading half of the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts on top, then sprinkle the rest of the onion over the chicken. Add the black beans and diced tomatoes. In a separate bowl, mix together the broth, orange juice, wine, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour this flavorful mixture over everything in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for about 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (it should reach 165°F in the thickest part). While that’s cooking, bring water and rice to a boil on the stove. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently until the rice is soft and the water is absorbed, which should take around 20 to 25 minutes. Once the chicken is done, shred it right in the pot, then stir it around for a few minutes so it can soak up all those delicious juices. Serve the chicken over the rice and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- Add a splash of fresh lime juice at the end to brighten the dish.
- If you like it a bit spicy, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of bold, vibrant flavors that come together slowly, making the chicken tender and juicy. It’s perfect for busy days since the slow cooker does most of the work. Plus, the blend of spices and citrus gives it a fresh, authentic taste you’ll want to make again and again.

Serving ideas

Serve this with fluffy white rice or black beans for a classic Cuban meal. A side of fried plantains or a simple green salad also pairs well, balancing the rich flavors with something fresh and light.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken moist. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

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