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Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe

Set it and forget it! These tender, flavorful slow cooker chicken tacos are perfect for busy weeknights. Just 5 minutes of prep time!

Cook Time:⏱️ 4 hours
Servings:👥 6
Difficulty:📊 Easy
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe

These slow cooker chicken tacos are a game-changer for busy families! With just 5 minutes of prep time, you'll have tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken that shreds effortlessly. Perfect for taco Tuesday or any day of the week!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • 12-16 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

  1. Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

  1. Add diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour chicken broth and lime juice over everything.
  3. Sprinkle with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  2. Chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Shred and Season

  1. Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks.
  2. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the cooking juices.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

  1. Warm tortillas in microwave, oven, or dry skillet.
  2. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken.
  3. Top with your favorite taco fixings.
  4. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Toppings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro

Gourmet Additions:

  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Pico de gallo
  • Guacamole
  • Crumbled queso fresco
  • Sliced radishes
  • Hot sauce

Pro Tips

Time-Saving Tip: Prep all ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator. In the morning, just dump everything in the slow cooker!

  • Chicken Choice: Thighs stay more tender than breasts, but both work great
  • Don't Overcook: Check chicken at minimum cooking time to prevent drying out
  • Extra Flavor: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smoky heat
  • Meal Prep: Shredded chicken keeps in the fridge for 4 days and freezes for 3 months

Variations

Southwest Style: Add corn, black beans, and jalapeños to the slow cooker

Hawaiian Twist: Add pineapple chunks in the last hour of cooking

Spicy Version: Include diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper with the seasonings

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months
  • Reheating: Microwave or reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth

Other Uses for This Chicken

This versatile shredded chicken is perfect for:

  • Burrito bowls over rice with beans
  • Quesadillas with cheese
  • Salad topping for a protein boost
  • Nachos with all the fixings
  • Chicken and rice for a simple dinner

These slow cooker chicken tacos are proof that delicious, homemade meals don't have to be complicated. Set it in the morning and come home to the amazing aroma of perfectly seasoned chicken ready for taco night!