Slow Cooker Chicken with Cuban Flavors

This slow cooker dish brings the vibrant, zesty flavors of Cuba right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days, it’s a comforting meal that’s bursting with citrus and spices.

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TIME3 hr 15 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, or more to taste 1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup sour orange juice ¾ cup dry white wine 2 cloves garlic, pressed, or more to taste 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon ground thyme 1 cup water

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by spreading half of the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts on top, then cover them with the rest of the onion. Toss in the black beans and diced tomatoes.

02

Step 2

In a bowl, whisk together the broth, orange juice, wine, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour this flavorful mixture over everything in the slow cooker.

03

Step 3

Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily falls apart. To be sure it’s fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

04

Step 4

While the chicken is cooking, bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer gently until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, around 20 to 25 minutes.

05

Step 5

Once the chicken is done, shred it with two forks right in the pot. Let it sit for another 5 to 10 minutes so it can soak up all those delicious juices.

06

Step 6

Serve the shredded chicken over the cooked rice and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh garlic and citrus juice for the best flavor.
- Brown the chicken briefly before slow cooking to add extra depth.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady and the chicken moist.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of bold, vibrant flavors that bring a taste of the Caribbean straight to your table. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days since the slow cooker does most of the work. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, soaking up all the delicious spices and citrus.

Serving ideas

Serve with fluffy white rice or black beans to soak up the sauce. Add a side of fried plantains or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A squeeze of fresh lime on top brightens the flavors even more.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.