Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, no-fuss meal that’s packed with flavor, these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are the answer! Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep, this recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy queso sauce, and classic taco fixings. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a filling that’s savory, cheesy, and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of queso and chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone.
3. Customizable: You can tailor the toppings and spice levels to suit your preferences.
4. Versatile Leftovers: Use the filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, or quesadillas!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Season the Chicken
   • Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
2. Add the Liquids and Tomatoes
   • Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Add the Rotel tomatoes, ensuring the liquid covers the chicken partially.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Set the Slow Cooker
   • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. Check for Doneness
   • The chicken is done when it is tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove and Shred
   • Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Return to the Slow Cooker
   • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Goodness

1. Incorporate Cream Cheese
   • Add the cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker, stirring gently to help it melt into the mixture.
2. Stir in Queso and Shredded Cheese
   • Pour in the queso dip and add the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
3. Let It Simmer
   • Cover the slow cooker again and let the mixture cook on low for an additional 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm the Tortillas
   • Heat the tortillas in a skillet, microwave, or oven until warm and pliable.
2. Add the Queso Chicken Filling
   • Spoon a generous portion of the queso chicken filling into each tortilla.
3. Top Your Tacos
   • Garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and any additional toppings you desire.

Serving Suggestions

Pair With:

• Mexican Rice: A perfect side to complement the tacos.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and savory beans pair well with the cheesy chicken.
• Chips and Salsa: Keep the fiesta going with crispy tortilla chips and fresh salsa.

Drinks:

• Margaritas: Classic lime margaritas make a refreshing pairing.
• Agua Fresca: Try a fruity agua fresca for a non-alcoholic option.

Variations

Spicy Version

• Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the slow cooker for extra heat.

Low-Carb Option

• Serve the queso chicken filling in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Vegetarian Version

• Substitute the chicken with black beans, roasted cauliflower, or sweet potatoes.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Good Cheese
   • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
2. Don’t Skip the Broth
   • The chicken broth keeps the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out during cooking.
3. Adjust Consistency
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
4. Prep Toppings Ahead
   • Chop your veggies and prepare garnishes while the chicken cooks to save time.

Why This Recipe Works

The slow cooker allows the chicken to soak up the bold flavors of taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes, creating a moist, flavorful base. Adding the creamy cheeses transforms the filling into a rich, indulgent dish that’s perfect for tacos. With minimal hands-on effort and endless topping possibilities, these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Yield: 6

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe

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If you're looking for a delicious, no-fuss meal that’s packed with flavor, these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are the answer! Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep, this recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy queso sauce, and classic taco fixings. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a filling that’s savory, cheesy, and irresistible.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 cup jarred queso (your favorite brand)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 12 small flour or corn tortillas
• Optional Toppings:
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado or guacamole

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
   Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
   
2. Step 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients
   Pour the queso over the chicken.
   Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth. Stir lightly to combine the liquids without disturbing the chicken too much.
   
3. Step 3: Cook the Chicken
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
   
4. Step 4: Shred the Chicken
   Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
   Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the queso mixture.
   
5. Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
   Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
   Spoon the queso chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla.
   
6. Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
   Add your favorite toppings and fold the tortillas.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.

Queso Options: Use homemade queso for a personal touch, or choose a spicy variety for more kick.

Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.