
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you relax.
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Flavorful and Tender: Chicken cooks slowly in a savory blend of spices and sauces.
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Customizable: Use your favorite taco toppings to suit your taste.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 cup salsa (your choice of heat level)
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1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges
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Taco shells or tortillas
Directions
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Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot.
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Add Seasoning and Liquids: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken. Pour salsa and chicken broth on top. Stir gently to coat.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
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Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with juices.
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Serve: Spoon chicken into taco shells or tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 3-7 hours (depending on setting)
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Total Time: 3-7 hours 10 minutes
Variations
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Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
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Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shredded pork or beef.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve with lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
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Add Beans: Mix in black or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze shredded chicken in portions for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes, or make your own blend for a fresher taste.
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Cook chicken in plenty of salsa and broth to keep it moist.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes with natural release.
Are these tacos kid-friendly?
Yes, mild seasoning makes them suitable for children.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Absolutely, corn or flour tortillas both work well.
How spicy is this recipe?
Mild by default; adjust salsa heat and add peppers for more spice.
Can I add cheese before serving?
Yes, shredded cheese melts nicely on warm chicken tacos.
How do I store leftovers?
In airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs remain juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Tacos offer a flavorful, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. Tender shredded chicken combined with your favorite toppings creates a satisfying and versatile dinner the whole family will love.
Print
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 3-7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crockpot Chicken Tacos feature tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked slowly with spices and salsa, making an easy, hands-off meal perfect for taco nights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup salsa (your choice of heat level)
1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
1/2 cup chicken broth
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges
Taco shells or tortillas
Instructions
Place chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken. Pour salsa and chicken broth on top. Stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with juices.
- Spoon chicken into taco shells or tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute chicken with shredded pork or beef if desired.
- Serve with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Mix in black or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in microwave or on stovetop until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-7 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (with chicken only)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg