Crockpot Chicken Tacos are the perfect mix with tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with a blend of savory spices, creating a juicy and flavorful filling that’s ready to be served in soft taco shells. Top with your favorite taco fixings like fresh cilantro, tangy salsa, and creamy avocado for a simple, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Tacos
There are so many reasons why this recipe has become a staple in many households. It’s low-maintenance, requiring minimal prep and hands-off cooking time. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors, resulting in perfectly seasoned, juicy meat that shreds easily. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your taste, from classic salsa and cheese to more adventurous additions like avocado or cilantro-lime rice.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Tacos
To make these delicious chicken tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Taco Seasoning – You can either use a store-bought taco seasoning mix or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt.
- Salsa – Choose a mild or spicy salsa based on your preference. This adds flavor and moisture to the chicken.
- Chicken Broth – Helps keep the chicken juicy and ensures a tender, shreddable texture.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice gives the tacos a bright, tangy kick.
- Tortillas – Soft flour tortillas or corn tortillas, depending on your preference.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While slow cookers are generally forgiving, overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Set a timer and check for doneness at the lower end of the recommended cooking time.
- Add Freshness: If you prefer a little freshness in your tacos, consider adding diced tomatoes, red onion, or shredded lettuce as toppings.
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you want a richer flavor, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re slightly fattier and can handle longer cooking times without drying out.
- Shred the Chicken in the Sauce: For extra flavor, shred the chicken right in the crockpot so it can soak up all the juices and seasoning.
- Cook on High for Faster Results: If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 hours on low.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Tacos
One of the reasons this recipe is so versatile is that you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Chicken Tacos: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the salsa for a fiery kick.
- Mexican Street Corn Tacos: For a unique twist, serve the shredded chicken with Mexican street corn (elote) or add a dollop of Mexican crema to the tacos.
- Shredded Chicken Taco Salad: Skip the tortillas and serve the shredded chicken over a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, corn, avocado, and your favorite taco toppings for a low-carb salad.
- Vegetarian Tacos: Swap the chicken for a combination of beans (black beans or pinto beans) and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn for a vegetarian-friendly taco option.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tacos
These tacos can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Classic Tacos: Serve the shredded chicken in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
- Taco Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option) with all your favorite taco toppings.
- Taco Salad: Serve the shredded chicken on a bed of lettuce and add toppings like corn, black beans, avocado, and a drizzle of lime dressing.
- Taco Night Spread: If you’re hosting a taco night, serve the chicken alongside other toppings and fillings like grilled veggies, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and hot sauce so everyone can build their own tacos.
How to Store Leftover Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Leftovers from this crockpot chicken tacos recipe store wonderfully. Here’s how you can store them:
- In the Refrigerator: Place any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a bit of extra salsa or chicken broth to keep it moist.
- In the Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the shredded chicken in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook through. However, it’s important to note that using frozen chicken might lead to slightly less tender results, as there’s less moisture available during cooking.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts, providing more flavor and juiciness. The cooking time will be similar, but thighs are generally more forgiving when it comes to overcooking.
What kind of tortillas are best for tacos? The best tortilla for tacos depends on your preference. Soft flour tortillas are a classic choice and provide a mild, chewy base. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional option with a slight crunch and more authentic flavor. For a healthier option, you could also use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas.
Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes! In fact, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make the chicken in advance, store it in the fridge, and use it throughout the week for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or wraps.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn to the slow cooker. Just keep in mind that vegetables cook faster than chicken, so you may want to add them in the last 2 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Crockpot Chicken Tacos are the perfect mix with tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with a blend of savory spices, creating a juicy and flavorful filling that's ready to be served in soft taco shells.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken (breasts or thighs, or a mix of both)
- 1 cup salsa (your choice)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For serving:
- Taco shells, rice (or cauliflower rice), lettuce, or lettuce wraps
- Toppings: chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado, olives, cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Place the chicken, salsa, water, and spices in your slow cooker. Cook on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred with two forks.
- Return to slow cooker: Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
- Serve: Serve your flavorful chicken in taco shells, over rice, in a salad, or in lettuce wraps. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 392Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 117mgSodium 591mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 4gSugar 4gProtein 33g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Tacos are the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and flexibility. With a handful of ingredients, a few hours in the slow cooker, and the right toppings, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for a crowd, or just in need of a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. The best part is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste buds, making it a meal you’ll want to make again and again!
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