These citrus chicken bites are slow cooked in a citrusy marinade bursting with fresh citrus zest and juice. Every bite is infused with a light and refreshing flavor that can be enjoyed on their own, over a bed of rice, or incorporated into endless creative dishes. An easy weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.
I love chicken recipes, especially chicken breasts. They have a mellowness that readily absorbs other flavors, making them the perfect vehicle for all kinds of delicious recipes, from Mexican dishes to classic fried chicken and everything in between. This chicken cobbler or malibu chicken recipe are also great recipes to make with boneless skinless chicken breasts.
One chicken recipe I recently started making a few months ago is the citrus chicken bites recipe. I love the way the chicken marries with the lime and orange juice and the bold spices. I serve these as dinner with rice or noodles and vegetables, and I love bringing them to parties.
These delicious bites start with diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos in the bottom of a slow cooker. Then, I add the chicken and seasonings, both juices, and cilantro and cook until the chicken is nice and tender. After that, I add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce and serve. That’s all there is to it! It’s a super easy recipe with minimal prep-work that lets the slow cooker do all the work.
Why You’ll Love This Citrus Chicken Recipe
- These tender, juicy chicken bites are slow-cooked in a citrus marinade full of zesty orange, lime juice, and zest.
- It’s a light, refreshing chicken dish that is great paired with rice or mashed potatoes.
- These citrus chicken bites are versatile and can be used in burritos, tacos, or salads.
Citrus Chicken Bites Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients you can find in your pantry and at your local grocery store. The list is as simple as the recipe!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are meaty and have a neutral flavor, making them perfect for this and many other recipes.
- Onions, Pepper, and Jalapenos: This combination of vegetables adds natural sweetness, bright vegetal notes, and a kick of heat.
- Lime and Orange Juice: Lime and orange juice give this dish its citrus notes and help tenderize the chicken as it cooks.
- Seasonings: Red pepper flakes, cumin, chili powder, and a few other ingredients add deep, bold flavor to the dish.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact measurements.
How to Make Slow Cooker Citrus Chicken Bites
This is a slow cooker recipe, so it should come as no surprise that it’s super easy to make. It only takes a few minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest. It couldn’t be simpler!
Step 1: Add the Veggies
Spray the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot and add the diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Place the chicken chunks on top of the veggies and sprinkle with seasonings. Then, add the lime juice, orange juice, orange zest, and cilantro.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours until the chicken is completely cooked through. Then, mix the cornstarch and water and add to the crock pot. Stir until the sauce thickens. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- 1-inch cubes are the perfect size for the cut-up chicken breasts. It allows them to cook evenly, and makes them easy to eat.
- It’s important to add the vegetables to the crock pot first so they get nicely soft and tender.
- Leave the crock pot on low when you add the cornstarch slurry and mix continuously to thicken.
- Always wash your hands and NEVER touch your face when working with hot peppers.
Variations
- Pork or beef work well in place of chicken.
- Omit the red pepper flakes and jalapeno for a mild version of this recipe.
- Add your other favorite vegetables for more flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Citrus Chicken
Serve this chicken with rice or noodles along with your favorite vegetables. It’s an extremely versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of flavors.
Recipe FAQ
Citrus chicken bites are bite-size pieces of chicken breast slow-cooked with onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos, along with a bold blend of spices, in a citrus sauce.
Yes, you can. Crockpots are designed to cook raw meats and vegetables slowly over low heat. It’s perfectly safe to add these to the crockpot.
Citrus chicken will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Yes, you can. This chicken will last for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate these citrus chicken bites for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat the chicken, place it in a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until heated through. Thin with a little water or broth if necessary.
Try This Delicious Citrus Chicken Recipe Today
These citrus chicken bites are moist, tender, and full of bold flavor, thanks to the zesty seasonings, veggies, and citrus sauce. It’s a delicious recipe that’s perfect on its own as an appetizer or as a family dinner served over rice or noodles. And if you have picky eaters, just leave out the jalapenos and red pepper flakes. It’s easy, versatile, and delicious. You can’t beat that!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Enjoy
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Citrus Chicken Bites (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, any color works
- 1 jalapeno, stem and seeds removed, diced
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 oranges, juiced
- Zest from both oranges
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red peppers
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Spray the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot and add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno.
- Place chicken chunks on top of veggies and sprinkle with seasonings.
- Pour in lime juice and orange juice.
- Add zest and cilantro.
- Place lid on crock pot and cook for 3 ½ – 4 hours on high, or until chicken is completely cooked through.
- Mix cornstarch and water together and add to the crockpot. Stir until sauce thickens.
- Serve over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes, and top with desired toppings.
