Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a simple and tasty meal that everyone will love! Just toss chicken, spices, and some salsa in your slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
Who doesn’t love a taco night? I usually just warm some tortillas, add the chicken, and top it with cheese and guac! It’s a fun, hands-free dinner that’s super easy to whip up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they stay tender during slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken thighs instead. They add a bit more flavor and moisture!
Diced Tomatoes: I like using canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for some extra zing. But, if you prefer a milder flavor, go for plain diced tomatoes or even a can of tomato sauce. You can spice it up later if needed!
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies bring great flavor. I often use yellow or white onions and any color bell pepper you like. If you have other peppers like jalapeños or poblano, they can add some heat too.
Taco Seasoning: A packaged taco seasoning mix is handy, but homemade is easy to whip up! Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder for a fresh taste. You can adjust the spices according to your preference.
Tortillas: Use corn or flour tortillas based on your taste. I lean towards corn for their texture, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll. Both work wonderfully!
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily After Cooking?
Shredding chicken in a crockpot can be a breeze if done right! After cooking, the chicken should be fork-tender, making it easier to shred. Here’s a quick way to do it:
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce and veggies to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning as you go, tasting for salt and pepper before serving.
This method helps keep everything moist and flavorful. Plus, it saves you from moving the chicken around too much. Enjoy your tacos!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with green chilies if desired)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas (corn or flour) for serving
For Optional Toppings:
- diced avocado
- shredded lettuce
- chopped cilantro
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep. Then you let your crockpot do its magic: cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. So, in total, plan for about 8 to 9 hours for a low cook or 3 to 4 hours for a high cook time. Easy, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This is where the magic begins! Next, grab your can of diced tomatoes and pour it over the chicken. Don’t forget to include the juice—it adds lots of flavor!
2. Add the Vegetables:
Now, sprinkle the diced onion and bell pepper on top of the chicken and tomatoes. If you love a little extra heat, go ahead and include the diced green chilies. They add a nice kick to the dish!
3. Season It Up:
Open your taco seasoning and sprinkle it evenly over the ingredients in the crockpot. This will give your chicken that delicious taco flavor we all crave!
4. Add Liquid for Cooking:
Pour the chicken broth or water around the edges of the crockpot. This helps keep everything moist while it cooks. You don’t want dry chicken, right?
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. When the chicken is cooked through, it should shred easily with a fork. That’s how you know it’s ready!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once it’s done cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot, mixing it well with the sauce and vegetables. This will make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give the chicken a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. You want it to be just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to serve! Scoop the shredded chicken into tortillas and dress them up with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, shredded lettuce, cilantro, sour cream, cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy your delicious tacos!
## FAQ Section for Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the crockpot, but make sure to extend the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can easily make your own! Combine 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust according to your taste!
How to Reheat Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Can I Add More Veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional veggies like corn, zucchini, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure not to overcrowd the crockpot too much, as this can affect cooking time.
