Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls head over heels for Mexican food, this Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos recipe is proof of that love story. Growing up in Orlando, I’d watch my abuela slow-cook flavorful chicken until it was melt-in-your-mouth tender. Today, I’ve brought that tradition into my own kitchen with this easy chicken tacos crockpot recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for busy weeknights, this dish is bursting with flavor and versatility. It’s the kind of recipe that makes Taco Tuesday a little more exciting and a lot more delicious.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 hours |
| Total Time | 6 hours 10 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Best Season | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic, freeing up your time for family or friends.
- Perfect texture: The chicken becomes incredibly tender, making it ideal for tacos, burrito bowls, or enchiladas.
- Customizable flavors: Use fire-roasted tomatoes, add extra chiles, or top with homemade salsa for a spicier kick.
- Great for meal prep: This recipe yields plenty of shredded chicken, making it perfect for freezing and enjoying later.
- Crowd-pleaser: From picky eaters to spice lovers, everyone will want seconds of these homemade tacos.
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos recipe makes tender, juicy shredded chicken seasoned with homemade taco seasoning, onions, tomatoes, and green chiles. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or enchiladas.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 heaping tablespoons homemade taco seasoning mix (or store-bought)
- ¾ cup diced onion
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (regular, fire-roasted, or garlic, undrained)
- 4.5 ounce can diced green chiles (undrained)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Tortillas, corn or flour
- Vegetable oil (if frying tortillas)
- Toppings: cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, hot sauce
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
3. Add diced onion and pour the tomatoes with juices over the top.
4. Top with the undrained green chiles, do not stir.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.
6. Remove lid and shred chicken with two forks.
7. Stir in chopped cilantro for freshness.
8. Serve in tortillas or bowls with toppings of your choice.
Notes
This recipe yields approximately 7 cups of cooked shredded chicken.
For soft tacos, toast tortillas in a dry skillet until warm.
For crispy tacos, fry corn tortillas in vegetable oil until golden and crisp.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup shredded chicken
- Calories: 213
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 365 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 heaping tablespoons homemade taco seasoning mix (or store-bought)
- ¾ cup diced onion
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (regular, fire-roasted, or garlic, undrained)
- 4.5 ounce can diced green chiles (undrained)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
For Serving
- Tortillas, corn or flour
- Vegetable oil (if frying tortillas)
- Toppings: cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, hot sauce
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Use frozen chicken if needed, just add extra cooking time. |
| Taco seasoning | Homemade seasoning gives the best flavor and lets you control the salt and spice levels. |
| Onion | Yellow onion adds sweetness, but red onion works for sharper flavor. |
| Tomatoes | Fire-roasted tomatoes bring smoky depth to the chicken. |
| Green chiles | Mild or hot varieties can adjust spice to your taste. |
| Cilantro | Add at the end to keep its fresh, bright flavor intact. |
| Tortillas | Warm them before serving for the best texture. |
| Toppings | Mix creamy (sour cream, avocado) with crunchy (lettuce, onion) for balance. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the chicken for a rich, flavorful base.
- Add diced onion, then pour the tomatoes (with their juices) over the top.
- Finish with the undrained green chiles on top, but don’t stir. Keeping layers helps flavors develop.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, depending on your schedule.
- Once done, remove the lid and shred the chicken using two forks until it’s tender and juicy.
- Stir in chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Serve in tortillas or on burrito bowls with your favorite toppings. This chicken is also delicious in enchiladas, nachos, or quesadillas.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste and adjust seasoning after shredding the chicken.
- For extra juicy meat, keep some of the cooking liquid when serving.
- Use flour tortillas for soft tacos and corn tortillas for traditional flavor.
- Double the batch if cooking for a crowd, this freezes well.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t skip the layering: It helps keep chicken moist and evenly seasoned.
- Use low heat when possible: Low and slow gives the most tender chicken.
- Shred chicken while warm: It’s easier and more even.
- Add toppings just before serving: Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado taste best when added at the end.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version: Add chipotle peppers in adobo for smoky heat.
- Cheesy tacos: Mix shredded cheese directly into the chicken after shredding.
- Healthy bowls: Serve over cauliflower rice with black beans for a lighter option.
- Kid-friendly: Use mild taco seasoning and let kids choose their toppings.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, place shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags, press out air, and lay flat. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tacos family-style with toppings in bowls so everyone can build their own. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for color. A sprinkle of queso fresco adds authentic Mexican flair.
Pairing Ideas
Pair these tacos with a light Mexican beer or a citrusy margarita. For non-alcoholic options, agua fresca or sparkling lime water is refreshing. On the side, try Mexican street corn, black beans, or Spanish rice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warm, or on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just add an extra hour of cooking time on low.
Do I need to stir the ingredients? No, layering creates the best flavor and texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely, they stay juicy and flavorful.
How can I make it spicier? Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to the slow cooker.
What toppings go best with these tacos? Try a mix of creamy, crunchy, and spicy like avocado, lettuce, and salsa.
Can I make this for a party? Yes, it’s a great cooking for a crowd recipe. Set up a taco bar with toppings.
Can I use this chicken for other dishes? Definitely, it’s perfect for enchiladas, nachos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 cup shredded chicken |
|---|---|
| Calories | 213 |
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are simple, versatile, and full of flavor, making them the ultimate family dinner. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back every Taco Tuesday. Grab your slow cooker and get ready for a fiesta at your table!
Hungry for more? Dive into our Crock Pot Birria Tacos recipe.
