Description
This Crockpot Chicken Tacos recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to enjoy tender shredded chicken perfect for taco night. The chicken is slow-cooked with taco seasoning and salsa, resulting in juicy, savory meat that can be easily assembled into soft or hard taco shells with your favorite toppings for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred level of spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing the chicken beforehand)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
Taco Assembly and Toppings
- Soft or hard taco shells (flour or corn, depending on preference)
- Shredded lettuce (for topping)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Extra salsa (for serving)
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Season and Add Salsa: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the salsa on top and add chicken broth for extra moisture if desired.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Use tongs or two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the salsa and cooking juices.
- Prepare Taco Shells and Assemble: Warm your choice of soft or hard taco shells. Spoon the shredded chicken into the shells and top with shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, extra salsa, avocado or guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the tacos for a fresh tangy finish.
Notes
- For more flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances taste but is optional.
- You can customize spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa.
- Leftover shredded chicken is great for salads, quesadillas, or burrito bowls.
- Using chicken broth helps keep the chicken moist and juicy during cooking.
