Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are a game-changer when it comes to easy weeknight dinners. The chicken becomes wonderfully tender as it simmers in a blend of spices and salsa, creating a flavorful base for your tacos. The best part is that once everything is in the slow cooker, it practically cooks itself. You can serve these tacos with a variety of toppings, from fresh salsa to creamy guacamole, allowing everyone to make them their own.

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, too! You can use the chicken for tacos, burritos, salads, or even nachos. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
1 cup salsa (choose your preferred level of spiciness)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Soft taco shells or tortillas, for serving
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix together the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts.
Add the salsa and lime juice to the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is evenly covered.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks, mixing it with the sauce in the slow cooker.
Serve the shredded chicken in taco shells or tortillas, and top with your favorite toppings.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 tacos (depends on serving size)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Variations

Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can also be used. They become even more tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Add beans: For extra protein and fiber, add a can of black beans or pinto beans to the slow cooker.
Spicy version: If you like more heat, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicy salsa.
Paleo/Whole30 option: Skip the taco seasoning packet and make your own using cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
Make it a burrito: Instead of tacos, serve the chicken in a large flour tortilla and wrap it up for a burrito.
Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for a mixture of sautéed vegetables or a can of jackfruit for a plant-based taco filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag before freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it in 30-second intervals. If it’s too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to moisten it.

FAQs

How can I make the chicken spicier?

To make the chicken spicier, add diced jalapeños, a can of diced green chilies, or your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so if the chicken is frozen.

Can I use a different meat instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with pork, beef, or turkey for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the meat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time by making it the night before and refrigerating it. Then, reheat it the next day for an easy taco night.

What kind of salsa should I use?

You can use any type of salsa you prefer—mild, medium, or hot. The flavor of the salsa will contribute to the overall taste of the chicken.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn to the slow cooker for more flavor and texture.

How do I make this recipe more flavorful?

For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for a few hours before slow cooking. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky taste.

Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this recipe on high for 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 hours on low. The chicken will still come out tender.

Can I use taco shells or tortillas?

Both taco shells and tortillas work great. You can use soft corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use corn tortillas or gluten-free taco shells.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are a fantastic, hassle-free dinner that you can prepare with minimal effort. With their versatility, you can customize the tacos to your liking and enjoy a meal that’s perfect for everyone. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this easy recipe will become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

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Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are the ultimate easy and flavorful meal for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful blend of spices and salsa is the perfect base for customizable tacos. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or cheese for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. This versatile recipe also works great for meal prep and can be used in burritos, salads, or nachos. Get ready for a stress-free taco night!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Yield: 6-8 tacos
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chicken broth.
Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken breasts, then add salsa and lime juice, ensuring the chicken is evenly covered.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce in the slow cooker.
Serve the shredded chicken in taco shells or tortillas and top with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Substitute chicken thighs for an even more tender and flavorful filling.
Add beans like black beans or pinto beans to the slow cooker for extra protein and fiber.
For a spicier kick, include jalapeños or use a spicy salsa.
For a paleo or Whole30 option, skip the taco seasoning packet and create your own seasoning with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
To make burritos, simply serve the chicken in large tortillas and wrap them up.
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with sautéed veggies or jackfruit for plant-based tacos.