Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos are the ultimate weeknight meal with tender chicken cooked low and slow in a blend of spices and tangy salsa, then shredded to perfection, makes for a delicious filling for soft tortillas.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
The beauty of using a slow cooker for shredded chicken tacos lies in its ability to infuse the chicken with deep, savory flavors while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb a rich combination of spices, including cumin, chili powder, garlic, and oregano, making every bite irresistibly tasty. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward!
Whether you serve it with traditional taco toppings or make it the base for a taco salad, this dish is versatile, adaptable, and sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping!
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need. Most of these items are pantry staples, so it’s a great recipe to make when you’re short on time and don’t want to run to the store.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs are juicier and more flavorful. You can use either depending on your preference.
- Taco seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning or a homemade mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano will work great.
- Salsa: Choose your favorite jarred salsa or make your own! A fresh, chunky salsa will add a lot of flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
- Chicken broth: This helps the chicken stay moist while cooking, infusing it with even more flavor.
- Onions and garlic: These aromatics add layers of flavor to the chicken, making it even more delicious.
- Lime juice: A little acidity from lime juice brightens up the flavors of the tacos.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Use the Right Cut of Chicken: Chicken thighs will give you the juiciest, most flavorful shredded chicken, while chicken breasts are leaner and may require a little more attention to prevent drying out.
Adjust Spice Levels: For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the crockpot before cooking.
Layering Ingredients: Always layer the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot, and make sure the chicken is submerged in liquid for the best results.
No Need to Add Oil: You don’t need to add any oil to the crockpot as the chicken will release plenty of moisture on its own.
Variations of Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
One of the great things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Here are some tasty variations to try:
Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the salsa mix for a spicy, tangy twist. Top with blue cheese crumbles for a true buffalo flavor.
BBQ Chicken Tacos: Replace the salsa with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet variation. These are great with a slaw topping!
Taco Salad: Skip the taco shell and turn your shredded chicken into a taco salad. Serve it over a bed of lettuce, topped with salsa, avocado, cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Chicken Nachos: Use the shredded chicken as a topping for nachos! Layer tortilla chips with cheese, shredded chicken, and your favorite nacho toppings, then bake until everything is melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Shredded chicken tacos are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:
- Classic Tacos: Serve in soft flour tortillas or crispy corn taco shells, and top with fresh ingredients like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Taco Bowls: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, serve the shredded chicken over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice, and top with your favorite toppings.
- Taco Salad: Add the shredded chicken to a salad of fresh greens, bell peppers, avocado, corn, and a drizzle of creamy dressing.
- Quesadillas: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for a cheesy quesadilla for a quick meal.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover shredded chicken (which is likely!), storing it is easy. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in your Crockpot, but be sure to cook it on high for 4-5 hours to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. If using frozen chicken, make sure to add the chicken broth and salsa for added moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very easy to double. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the extra ingredients.
What’s the best way to reheat shredded chicken?
Reheat the chicken in a skillet with a little bit of broth or water to keep it moist, or simply microwave it in a covered dish to prevent it from drying out.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To make the shredded chicken spicier, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the slow cooker before cooking. You can also top the tacos with sliced fresh chili peppers or a spicy salsa.
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos are the ultimate weeknight meal with tender chicken cooked low and slow in a blend of spices and tangy salsa, then shredded to perfection, makes for a delicious filling for soft tortillas.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with chilies (drained) or 1 can Rotel (10 oz)
- 1 oz taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ onion, diced
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the salsa, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
- Place the onions and chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then top with the tomato mixture.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks, then stir it back into the juices in the slow cooker.
- Serve the shredded chicken in taco shells, over rice, in bowls, or on salads!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 254Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 102mgSodium 1130mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 39g
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.
Final outcome
With its simple ingredients, low-maintenance prep, and endless serving possibilities, Crockpot shredded chicken tacos are the perfect weeknight meal. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and the slow cooker does all the hard work. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a taco night with friends, this recipe will definitely become a household favorite.
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