This Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken is full of flavor! With just a few ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and spices, it cooks itself while you’re busy.
I’ll tell you, it makes the best tacos, nachos, or just served over rice. Plus, the smell in your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking! 😋
I love how easy it is to whip up a big batch, and then I can freeze leftovers for a tasty meal later. Who doesn’t love quick and yummy dinners?!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. I prefer thighs for their richer flavor and tenderness, especially in slow cooking. If you’re looking for a lighter option, stick with breasts.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great alternative. For a lighter flavor, you can also use water, but you might miss the depth that broth provides.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This ingredient brings in both moisture and zing. If you want less heat or have picky eaters, opt for plain diced tomatoes instead, and use fresh or dried herbs to add flavor.
Taco Seasoning: While a packet is easy, you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This way, you can control the spice level and ingredients.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add amazing flavor, but you can use garlic powder or onion powder if you’re in a pinch. Fresh is always best, though!
Jalapeño: This is optional for heat. If you’re not a fan of spice, leave it out entirely or substitute with bell peppers for some flavor without the heat.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can be a chore, but it’s straightforward with the right steps. Here’s how to make it easy:
- After cooking, allow the chicken to cool for a minute. It’s easier to handle if you let it rest slightly.
- Use two forks and gently pull the chicken apart. Start at the thickest part and work your way to the edges.
- For a quicker method, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment! Just place the cooked chicken in the bowl and mix on low speed.
Once shredded, mix it back with the sauce in the slow cooker for the best flavor distribution. Enjoy your meal with minimal hassle!
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade version)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you let the slow cooker do the work! You’ll need to cook it for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will be the base of your flavorful dish, so make sure they are spread out evenly. No need to add any oil; the juices will do the trick!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with all their juice), taco seasoning, chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeño if you like it spicy. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the sauce that flavors your chicken.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure it covers the chicken pieces completely. Then, cover the slow cooker with the lid. If you set it on low, let it cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred and Season:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily! Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, add lime juice, and mix it all together with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Scoop the flavorful shredded chicken into tacos, burritos, salads, or any dish you love. If you like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a bright touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure to increase the cooking time. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. It’s best to thaw the chicken in the fridge the night before for even cooking, but cooking from frozen is safe if you’re in a hurry!
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own using common spices! Combine 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste based on your preferred flavor profile!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shredded chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little moisture if necessary to keep it from drying out.
How to Best Serve Leftover Mexican Shredded Chicken?
This versatile chicken can be used in many dishes! Try it in tacos, burritos, or nachos. It also works well in salads or as a topping for baked potatoes. Feel free to mix with some added veggies or cheese for a tasty twist!
