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Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe

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Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe

Tacos are one of the most beloved dishes in many households. Whether you’re throwing a party, enjoying a family dinner, or preparing something easy for a weeknight meal, tacos have a way of bringing everyone to the table with smiles. The beauty of tacos is their versatility—there’s no limit to how you can build the perfect taco.

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But, let’s be honest, the key to a good taco is often in the seasoning and tenderness of the meat. That’s where this Crock Pot Chicken Tacos recipe comes in.

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Using the slow cooker to prepare the chicken ensures that it becomes incredibly tender, flavorful, and easy to shred. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the spices, creating a deep, savory flavor that will make every bite satisfying. Whether you’re using this chicken in soft corn tortillas, flour tortillas, or over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option, you can’t go wrong.

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This recipe is ideal for busy individuals or families. You can throw everything in the Crock Pot in the morning, let it simmer throughout the day, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. Plus, you’ll find plenty of room for creativity when it comes to toppings and sides, which is why this recipe will be one you keep coming back to.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken breasts (or thighs). You can leave them whole, as they will shred beautifully once cooked in the slow cooker, or you can cut them into smaller pieces to speed up the cooking time if needed. If using chicken breasts, ensure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.

Optional:
If you prefer a slightly crispier exterior and deeper flavor, you can sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of taco seasoning, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This will add a little extra depth of flavor and texture, but it’s not necessary if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Add the Chicken to the Slow Cooker

Once your chicken is ready, add it to the slow cooker. If you’ve already seared the chicken, transfer it straight into the slow cooker. If you haven’t seared the chicken, simply place the raw chicken breasts (or thighs) directly into the Crock Pot.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Liquid

Now it’s time to layer on the flavor!

  1. Sprinkle the taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade) over the chicken. Use your hands or tongs to rub it evenly over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
  2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and any other spices you like to the mix. If you want an extra punch of flavor, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (or water), which will help keep the chicken moist while cooking and add extra flavor. The broth also helps the seasonings infuse into the chicken.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The exact time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken, but you’ll know it’s done when the chicken is easily shredded with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

If you’re in a rush, the high heat setting will cook the chicken in less time, but the low heat setting will provide a more tender, juicy result. Be sure to resist the urge to open the lid during the cooking process, as it can extend the cooking time.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken has finished cooking, it’s time to shred it! Using two forks or tongs, pull apart the chicken right in the slow cooker. The meat should shred easily. If it doesn’t, give it more time in the slow cooker.

As you shred the chicken, mix it with the juices in the slow cooker to ensure the meat is fully infused with all the flavors. This will make each bite juicy and flavorful.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Now comes the fun part—assembling your tacos!

  1. Tortillas: Warm up your choice of tortillas, whether flour, corn, or soft taco shells. You can heat them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.
  2. Top with Chicken: Place a generous amount of shredded chicken in each tortilla.
  3. Add Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can go classic with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and shredded cheese. For extra flavor, add a dollop of sour cream, some guacamole, a squeeze of lime, and a handful of fresh cilantro. For heat, try adding pickled jalapeños or a spoonful of your favorite salsa.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Once you’ve filled your tacos with all your favorite toppings, it’s time to dig in! Serve them with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or chips and salsa for a full meal.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Mexican Rice: A great side dish to balance the flavors of your tacos. You can easily make this in the slow cooker as well or prepare it on the stovetop.
  • Refried Beans: A classic side that complements the chicken tacos. You can go with traditional refried pinto beans or black beans for a lighter option.
  • Corn on the Cob: Serve alongside some grilled or boiled corn on the cob for a sweet, crunchy side.
  • Chips & Salsa: Perfect for munching before or alongside your tacos. Try guacamole for extra flavor.
  • Street Corn (Elote): A delicious addition to the meal. Coat corn on the cob with a little mayonnaise, sprinkle with chili powder, and top with fresh lime juice and cotija cheese.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Tacos:

  1. Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: If you prefer a richer, juicier meat, go for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They won’t dry out as quickly and will have a deeper flavor after slow cooking.
  2. Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice helps elevate the taco’s flavor, cutting through the richness of the chicken and adding a zesty kick.
  3. Customize Your Seasoning: If you like your tacos extra spicy, try adding chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. You can also throw in some smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
  4. Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch of chicken and store the leftover shredded chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. This will save you time when you need a quick taco fix.
  5. Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd. Simply increase the amount of chicken, seasoning, and broth, and ensure your slow cooker can accommodate the larger quantity.

Further Variations to Try:

While the classic Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are already packed with flavor, you can easily change things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Sweet and Spicy Chicken Tacos:

If you love a balance of sweetness and heat, consider adding pineapple or mango to the mix. You can either chop fresh pineapple and add it directly to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking or blend a bit of pineapple salsa in with the chicken before serving. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the spiciness of the seasoning for a tropical twist on your tacos.

Other ideas:

  • Add a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
  • Use jalapeño and mango salsa to add a delicious contrast of flavors.

2. BBQ Chicken Tacos:

For a smoky, sweet flavor, you can switch things up by adding BBQ sauce to the chicken. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. The sauce will infuse the chicken with a smoky flavor that pairs well with traditional taco toppings like coleslaw, pickles, and cilantro.

What to add:

  • Top with crunchy coleslaw and pickled onions.
  • Use corn tortillas for a more authentic touch.

3. Keto or Low-Carb Chicken Tacos:

For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, you can serve the shredded chicken on lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. Romaine lettuce works well as it’s sturdy and can hold up to the juicy chicken and toppings. Alternatively, use almond flour tortillas or cauliflower tortillas for a more low-carb-friendly option.

Additions:

  • Skip the corn and beans as sides, and focus on low-carb veggies like avocado and grilled bell peppers.
  • Top with sour cream, cheese, and salsa.

4. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos:

To add a smoky and spicy kick to your chicken tacos, you can incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These peppers are smoky, tangy, and packed with heat, making them a great addition to your taco seasoning mix. Blend them with the chicken broth and pour over the chicken in the Crock Pot for that irresistible smoky flavor.

Flavor tips:

  • Use adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers to intensify the flavor.
  • If you’re not keen on spice, limit the number of chipotle peppers you add, as they can be quite hot.

5. Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos:

For a fresher flavor, add more lime and cilantro to the dish. Incorporate fresh cilantro into the chicken mixture halfway through the cooking process, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished tacos just before serving. The zesty lime and herbaceous cilantro will brighten up the dish, making it taste even fresher.

How to serve:

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
  • Consider adding a dollop of guacamole or lime crema (a mixture of sour cream and lime juice).

6. Chicken Fajita Tacos:

If you love fajitas, you can make this recipe even more exciting by adding sautéed bell peppers and onions. Cook the bell peppers and onions in the slow cooker along with the chicken, or you can sauté them separately and add them toward the end. This will give the tacos a classic fajita vibe with a bit of extra texture.

Extra toppings:

  • Serve with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a sprinkle of fajita seasoning.
  • Add some sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.

Creative Leftover Ideas:

  1. Chicken Taco Salad:
    Use the leftover chicken as the base for a chicken taco salad. Serve it over a bed of romaine lettuce, top with your favorite taco toppings (avocado, cheese, salsa, etc.), and drizzle with ranch dressing or a creamy cilantro lime dressing.
  2. Chicken Burritos:
    Use the shredded chicken to make burritos by adding it to large tortillas along with rice, beans, cheese, and salsa. Roll up the burrito and optionally grill it for a crispy finish.
  3. Chicken Nachos:
    Layer the shredded chicken over tortilla chips, top with cheese, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted. Add some sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for a fun twist on nachos.
  4. Chicken Quesadillas:
    Make easy quesadillas by filling tortillas with leftover chicken, cheese, and any other taco toppings you desire. Toast them on a skillet for a crispy, cheesy treat.
  5. Chicken Enchiladas:
    Use the shredded chicken in enchiladas by rolling it up with corn tortillas, smothering them with enchilada sauce, and baking them with cheese. This can be a hearty and satisfying meal.

Tips for a Flavorful Taco Night:

  1. Customize Your Spice Level:
    If you love spicy food, you can adjust the heat level of your chicken by adding more jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also serve sliced fresh jalapeños on the side so guests can add their own heat.
  2. Warm Tortillas Properly:
    To get the best texture and flavor, always warm your tortillas before serving. For soft tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 20-30 seconds per side. For extra flavor, you can brush them lightly with butter before warming them.
  3. Toppings Make the Taco:
    The best tacos are often made with a variety of toppings that balance textures and flavors. Consider offering a selection of fresh toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and chopped onions. Adding something crunchy (like crispy taco shells or fried tortilla strips) adds another layer of excitement to the tacos.
  4. Serve With a Side of Mexican Rice:
    Mexican rice is a traditional side dish that complements tacos perfectly. You can make it easily with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Serve it with your tacos to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. By using the slow cooker, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with all the wonderful spices you add to it. The flexibility of the recipe means you can adjust it to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs, whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or hosting a taco night with friends.

With endless topping possibilities and the ability to customize the flavor with your favorite seasonings, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply enjoying a taco Tuesday, this recipe will deliver both in taste and convenience.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are an easy, versatile, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow-cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and infused with bold, savory flavors. Plus, the options for customization are endless. You can make them as spicy, mild, or creative as you like. Whether you’re serving them for Taco Tuesday, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep, this recipe will never disappoint.

From sweet and spicy variations to low-carb lettuce wraps, there’s a version of these tacos for every palate. The ability to adapt this dish means that it’ll remain a staple in your cooking repertoire for years to come. Enjoy your delicious chicken tacos with your favorite toppings, sides, and, of course, the satisfaction of a meal that’s simple, filling, and full of flavor. Happy cooking!

Yield: 6

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe

Tacos are one of the most beloved dishes in many households. Whether you're throwing a party, enjoying a family dinner, or preparing something easy for a weeknight meal, tacos have a way of bringing everyone to the table with smiles. The beauty of tacos is their versatility—there's no limit to how you can build the perfect taco.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or use homemade seasoning)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for a fresh zing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Taco shells (soft or hard)
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, diced avocado, etc.

Instructions

  1. Add ingredients to the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), diced onion, chicken broth, and lime juice if using. Stir to combine.
  2. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours). The chicken should be fully cooked and easily shred with a fork.
  3. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce mixture to coat.
  4. Assemble the tacos: Spoon the shredded chicken mixture into taco shells and top with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa, avocado, sour cream, or cilantro.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your easy and flavorful chicken tacos!

Notes

  • Chicken Cuts:
    You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful but may take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
  • Taco Seasoning:
    You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own using ingredients like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and paprika. Homemade seasoning can be adjusted to suit your flavor preferences.
  • Moisture:
    Adding chicken broth or water is essential to keeping the chicken moist and allowing the seasonings to infuse. Feel free to adjust the amount if you prefer your chicken a bit drier or more saucy.
  • Shredding the Chicken:
    After the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks or tongs to shred it in the Crock Pot. Shredding directly in the pot helps incorporate all the flavorful juices into the chicken.
  • Toppings:
    Taco toppings are a great way to personalize each taco. Consider offering a variety of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and lime wedges for everyone to build their perfect taco.
  • Slow Cooker Tips:
    If you have a larger slow cooker, feel free to double the recipe! Just ensure you have enough space for the chicken to cook evenly and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
  • Serving Ideas:
    These tacos can be served with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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