Oh, taco night! It used to feel like a whole production, right? But ever since I figured out this amazing chicken tacos crockpot recipe, things have gotten SO much easier and way more delicious. Seriously, it’s like magic – minimal work for maximum flavor. My grandmother always said good food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this recipe is proof! It’s the perfect way to get fantastic, tender chicken ready for tacos without all the fuss, freeing you up to actually enjoy your evening. This one’s a keeper, folks!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Seriously, who doesn’t love an easy dinner? These chicken tacos are a lifesaver:
- Barely Any Effort: Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Flavor Packed: The seasonings meld together perfectly, making the chicken so juicy and tasty.
- Super Versatile: Once the chicken is cooked, it’s not just for tacos – think quesadillas, salads, or even over rice!
- Taco Tuesday Perfection: It’s the quickest way to make Taco Tuesday happen without breaking a sweat.
Gather Your Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Alright, let’s get our shopping list ready! You’ll be amazed at how few things you actually need for these super tasty chicken tacos crockpot. It’s honestly just a handful of pantry staples and some chicken. Trust me, it’s almost embarrassingly easy.
For the Amazing Chicken Filling:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I like breasts because they shred so nicely, but chicken thighs work too!)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (Ro*Tel is my go-to, it brings that little kick!)
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning (The store-bought kind makes life so simple, no need to mix your own here!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (Just enough to keep things moist and help all those flavors mingle.)
For Serving Up Your Tacos:
- 12 taco shells (Or tortillas, whatever you prefer!)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, maybe some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime? Get creative!
How to Make the Best Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Alright, team! This is where the magic happens. Making these chicken tacos crockpot is so straightforward, I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard. We’re talking minimal fuss for a seriously delicious payoff. You can totally explore more slow cooker chicken recipes, but this one is a star for taco night!
Preparing the Chicken for Shredding
First things first, grab your slow cooker. Pop those chicken breasts right into the bottom – they’re going to be our star. Then, pour that can of diced tomatoes and green chilies all over the chicken. Don’t drain it, that liquid is pure flavor gold! Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over everything. Finally, pour in your chicken broth. It just helps everything cook beautifully and keeps the chicken super moist. Pop the lid on, and let the slow cooker do its thing!
Shredding and Finishing the Chicken
Okay, by now your kitchen should smell amazing! Carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker and put it on a cutting board or in a bowl. Grab two forks and get ready to shred. It should be so tender it practically falls apart. I love doing this part – it’s so satisfying! Now, put that beautifully shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, and give it a good stir to mix it all up with that flavorful sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated. Yum!
Assembling Your Delicious Chicken Tacos
Time for the best part – loading up those tacos! While your chicken is hanging out in the slow cooker, warm up your taco shells according to the package directions. I usually pop mine in the oven for a few minutes. Then, just scoop that incredible, saucy chicken into your warm shells. Now, go wild with your favorite toppings! Shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, melty cheese, a dollop of sour cream, maybe some salsa or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. However you build them, they are going to be fantastic!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
You know, even with something as simple as chicken tacos crockpot, there are little tricks that can make them absolutely sing! Sometimes I like to make these extra special, like for a real Taco Tuesday spread. Don’t be afraid to play around a bit to make them your own – that’s the best part about cooking!
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
So, you want to make these even more like queso chicken tacos? Easy peasy! For a creamier, cheesier vibe, stir in about a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking, or right after you shred the chicken. It’ll melt right in! And if you find yourself with only chicken thighs, go for it! They tend to be even more forgiving and stay super moist. You can also add a can of drained black beans or corn towards the end for extra texture and flavor. It just makes these chicken thigh recipes or chicken breast ones more hearty.
Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers
The beauty of this recipe? You can totally make the chicken ahead of time. Just cook it up, shred it, and let it cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. And leftovers? Oh, they are golden! This shredded chicken is just *chef’s kiss* amazing in quesadillas – you can find great crockpot chicken for quesadillas ideas too – layered into salads, or even stuffed into baked potatoes. Waste not, want not, right?
Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Got questions about making these super easy chicken tacos crockpot? I’ve got answers for you!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for these chicken tacos crockpot?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be even more forgiving and stay incredibly moist, which is fantastic for shredded chicken tacos. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, maybe add an extra 30 minutes on low if they seem less tender.
How do I make these crockpot chicken tacos spicier?
Easy peasy! For that extra kick, try using the ‘hot’ diced tomatoes and green chilies, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce right into the slow cooker with the other ingredients. You can also always add some sliced jalapeños on top when serving!
What are the best toppings for these easy crockpot chicken tacos?
Oh, the toppings! That’s where you really make them your own. Besides the usual shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomato, I love adding a scoop of pico de gallo, some creamy avocado slices, a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. So good!
Nutritional Information for Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Just a little note here: these numbers are estimates, folks! Your final calorie count can change based on the brands you use, exactly how much chicken you pile into your tacos, and all those wonderful toppings you add. But generally speaking, a serving of about two tacos is around 350 calories, with roughly 15g of fat and a good 30g of protein to keep you going.
Share Your Taco Tuesday Creations!
Alright, my friends, now that you’ve got the lowdown on these super simple chicken tacos crockpot, I *really* want to hear all about it! Did you try them? How did they turn out? Did you add your own special twist? Please, please share your photos and tell me all your taco-tastic stories in the comments below. And if you loved this recipe, give it a star rating – it helps so much! I can’t wait to see your amazing Taco Tuesday creations!
Print
Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and flavorful chicken tacos made in your slow cooker, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 taco shells
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken and tomatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Warm the taco shells according to package directions.
- Fill the taco shells with the shredded chicken mixture and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier taco, use a hot variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- You can also use chicken thighs for this recipe.
- Leftover chicken can be used for quesadillas or salads.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg



