Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe
These Crockpot Chicken Tacos are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal! Juicy shredded chicken is slow-cooked with Mexican spices, creating the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, or even taco bowls. With just a few minutes of prep and your crockpot doing all the work, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tbsp homemade mix)
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1 cup salsa (your favorite brand or homemade)
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional, for extra kick)
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Juice of 1 lime
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For serving:
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Corn or flour tortillas
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Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro
Directions
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Load the crockpot: Place chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, broth, onion, and green chiles into the crockpot.
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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 fully cooked.
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Shred: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the sauce. Stir in lime juice.
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Assemble tacos: Warm tortillas, fill with shredded chicken, and add your favorite toppings.
Servings & Timing
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Servings: 6–8 tacos (about 4 servings)
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
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Total Time: 3–6½ hours
Variations
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Creamy Chicken Tacos: Stir in ½ cup cream cheese at the end for a rich, creamy filling.
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Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños, hot salsa, or chipotle peppers in adobo.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve chicken in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
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Meal-Prep Friendly: Use shredded chicken for burrito bowls, quesadillas, or taco salads.
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freeze shredded chicken (without toppings) in airtight bags for up to 3 months.
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Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but thawing before cooking is recommended for even cooking and best texture.
Q: Can I make this without taco seasoning packets?
A: Absolutely! Use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Q: What’s the best salsa to use?
A: Any salsa works — chunky, smooth, spicy, or mild — depending on your taste.
Conclusion
These Crockpot Chicken Tacos are flavorful, juicy, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe will become a family favorite. Just set it, forget it, and get ready to enjoy the best chicken tacos ever! ✨
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
These Crockpot Chicken Tacos are the ultimate easy weeknight dinner! Juicy, tender shredded chicken is slow-cooked with Mexican spices and salsa, then tucked into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. A fuss-free meal that’s family-approved and perfect for taco night!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tbsp homemade)
- 1 cup salsa (red or green)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- Tortillas (corn or flour)
- Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare crockpot: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Season: Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Add ingredients: Top with salsa, broth, onion, and green chilies (if using).
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot, mixing well with the juices.
- Assemble tacos: Spoon chicken into warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
- Serve: Finish with a squeeze of lime and enjoy!
Notes
- Use thighs for extra juicy, flavorful chicken.
- Double the recipe to meal prep or freeze leftovers.
- Swap salsa for enchilada sauce for a different flavor twist.
- Leftover chicken makes great burrito bowls, quesadillas, or nachos.