The Simplest Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe That Wows Everyone

Juicy and tender crock pot chicken tacos promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Mexican-inspired comfort arrives with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal bursting with zesty goodness.

Spices meld perfectly, creating a rich and aromatic dish you’ll crave again and again.

Busy weeknights become a breeze with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Minimal prep means more time enjoying delectable bites with loved ones.

Prepare to savor every single morsel of these irresistible tacos that bring restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen.

Storage Tips For Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

• Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs About Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• What if I don't have taco seasoning?

You can make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices to create a homemade taco seasoning blend.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, use hot salsa, or include a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat level. You can control the spice intensity based on your preference.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos That Make Dinner Easy

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Toss ingredients into the Crock Pot and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with barely any hands-on cooking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers where everyone can customize their own tacos with favorite toppings.
• Low-Maintenance Cooking: Slow cooker method ensures tender, juicy chicken without constant monitoring, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a stress-free meal solution.
• Healthier Homemade Option: Control ingredients and seasoning levels, avoiding processed store-bought taco mixes while enjoying a nutritious, protein-packed dinner.

Ingredients For Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for the taco filling.

• Taco Seasoning: Spice blend that provides a classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note to balance the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Onion: Fresh ingredients that add moisture, texture, and depth of flavor to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional liquid to keep the chicken moist during slow cooking.

• Taco Shells, Shredded Lettuce, Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa, Cilantro, Diced Avocado: Customizable garnishes that allow for personal taste preferences and added texture.

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Protein Powerhouse

Gently nestle chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a cozy base for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Sprinkle Flavor Magic

• Diced tomatoes (with or without zesty green chilies)
• Chopped onions
• Savory chicken broth
• Fresh lime juice
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 4: Transform into Shredded Goodness

Use two forks to break the chicken into delectable, juicy shreds right in the cooking liquid. Stir everything together to blend all the incredible flavors.

Step 5: Create Taco Masterpiece

• Crisp shredded lettuce
• Melty cheese
• Creamy sour cream
• Zesty salsa
• Fresh cilantro
• Creamy diced avocado

Tips For Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Success

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra juiciness and flavor if you prefer dark meat.
• Drain excess liquid before shredding to prevent soggy tacos and maintain a perfect texture.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like homemade taco mix or Mexican spice combinations for unique taste profiles.
• Freeze leftover shredded chicken in portions for quick future meals or meal prep convenience.
• Opt for low-sodium broth and taco seasoning to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the recipe.

Fun Twists For Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace taco seasoning with a blend of chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and cumin for a smokier, hotter flavor profile.
• Green Salsa Chicken Tacos: Swap diced tomatoes with green salsa verde and add roasted poblano peppers for a tangy, vibrant Mexican-inspired variation.
• Caribbean Jerk Chicken Tacos: Substitute taco seasoning with Caribbean jerk spice mix, and add pineapple chunks for a tropical, sweet-spicy kick.
• Creamy Cilantro Lime Tacos: Mix in fresh cilantro, extra lime juice, and a splash of heavy cream after shredding for a rich, zesty flavor enhancement.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

• Pair Zesty Mexican Cerveza: Reach for a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the tangy chicken tacos. The beer's refreshing flavor cuts through the richness of the meat.
• Enhance with Fresh Margarita: Whip up a classic margarita with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Its citrusy kick matches perfectly with the lime-infused chicken and adds a festive touch to your meal.
• Create Cooling Salsa Verde Sidekick: Blend a quick salsa verde with tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime to add a bright, spicy dimension that elevates the tender shredded chicken tacos. The green sauce provides a zesty contrast to the rich meat.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling slow-cooker magic brings Mexican chicken tacos to life with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Tender, spice-infused chicken promises a quick weeknight dinner that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth

Taco Shells and Optional Toppings:

• Taco shells (soft or hard)
• Shredded lettuce
• Cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Cilantro
• Diced avocado

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Instructions

1. Nestle chicken pieces into the slow cooker’s base, ensuring they form a single, even layer.
2. Generously dust the chicken with aromatic taco seasoning, creating a flavorful foundation.
3. Cascade diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and pour chicken broth around the meat, infusing moisture and depth.
4. Add a splash of lime juice to brighten the overall flavor profile, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to transform the ingredients on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.
6. Using two forks, gently pull and shred the chicken directly within the cooking liquid, allowing the meat to absorb all surrounding seasonings.
7. Create a vibrant taco station with warm tortillas, and invite diners to customize their tacos with fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, tangy cheese, creamy sour cream, zesty salsa, fragrant cilantro, and buttery avocado slices.

Notes

• Easily customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using homemade blend for control over heat and flavor intensity.
• Select chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer taste compared to leaner chicken breasts, ensuring juicier taco filling.
• Drain excess liquid after cooking to prevent soggy taco shells and maintain ideal meat texture for better eating experience.
• Transform recipe into low-carb option by serving over cauliflower rice or using lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg