Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy days! With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, taco seasoning, and your favorite salsa, the slow cooker does all the work, creating tender, flavorful shredded chicken that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or nachos.
Why Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos Are a Game-Changer
Using a Crock-Pot to make chicken tacos isn’t just about convenience. It’s about achieving tender, juicy chicken infused with robust spices that meld beautifully over hours of slow cooking. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or feeding a party crowd, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor and simplicity.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your salsa and taco seasoning can make or break the dish. Opt for a good-quality salsa with fresh tomatoes and herbs for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: While Crock-Pots are forgiving, keeping an eye on the chicken ensures it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out. If cooking on high, check for doneness at the 3-hour mark.
- Additions for Extra Flavor: Want to elevate your chicken even more? Add a splash of lime juice or a handful of chopped cilantro before serving for a burst of freshness.
Variations to Try
The beauty of Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos lies in their adaptability. Here are some creative spins you can experiment with:
Creamy Chicken Tacos
Add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the Crock-Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a rich, creamy texture that coats the chicken.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Mix in some buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy kick. Top with crumbled blue cheese and sliced celery for a fun twist.
Pineapple Salsa Chicken Tacos
Replace regular salsa with pineapple salsa for a sweet and savory combination. Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Mexican-Style Pulled Chicken Bowls
Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa and add black beans, avocado, corn, and a drizzle of chipotle crema for a hearty meal.
How to Serve Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
When it comes to serving Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your tacos:
- Classic Tacos: Use soft or crispy taco shells. Load them up with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
- Street-Style Tacos: Serve on small corn tortillas with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Taco Bowls: Skip the tortillas and serve the chicken over rice with black beans, pico de gallo, and roasted veggies.
- Loaded Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with the chicken, shredded cheese, and all your favorite nacho toppings. Broil until bubbly and serve immediately.
- Salad Toppers: Use the shredded chicken to top a big, colorful salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Warm in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the Crock-Pot?
Yes, you can, but it may increase the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicier salsa. You can also mix in some hot sauce before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and add a richer flavor. They’re perfect if you prefer a juicier, more tender texture.
What type of salsa should I use?
Chunky, jarred salsa works well, but feel free to use your favorite homemade version for a fresh, vibrant taste.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply skip any dairy-based toppings like cheese and sour cream, and consider using a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy days! With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, taco seasoning, and your favorite salsa, the slow cooker does all the work, creating tender, flavorful shredded chicken that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or nachos.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup diced onion
- 3 heaping tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro (totally optional but adds a fresh kick)
- Tortillas (corn or flour) for serving
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (regular, fire-roasted, or with garlic—your pick!), undrained
- Vegetable oil (if you feel like frying your tortillas for extra crunch)
- 1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chiles, undrained
- All the toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, avocado, hot sauce—whatever makes your taco heart happy!
Instructions
- Pop your chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning generously over the chicken.
- Next, add the diced onion, then pour the can of tomatoes over everything. Top it all off with the undrained green chiles. Resist the urge to stir—it’s all about those layers!
- Cover and let it work its magic. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or, if you’re short on time, on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- When the chicken is fall-apart tender, grab two forks and shred it right in the slow cooker juices. Toss in some chopped cilantro if you like, and mix everything together.
- Load up your tortillas with the juicy, flavorful chicken and pile on your favorite toppings. This chicken is also perfect for burrito bowls, enchiladas, or even nachos if you’re feeling indulgent!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 429Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 502mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 57g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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 Thoughts
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are a foolproof way to make taco night a hit without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a versatile meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Experiment with different flavors, toppings, and serving methods to make this recipe truly your own. Happy cooking, and may your tacos always be deliciously loaded!
Try these other crockpot recipes:
