These Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are so easy and tasty! You just throw in chicken, salsa, and spices, let it cook, and then you have delicious filling for your tacos.
I love how soft and flavorful the chicken gets after cooking all day. Perfect for those busy days when you want a yummy meal without much fuss! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish since they become tender and easy to shred. If you want a little extra flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead; they stay juicier during cooking.
Taco Seasoning: A pre-made taco seasoning packet is super convenient. If you’re out, mix your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a homemade version. It allows control over the spice level!
Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa, whether mild or spicy! If needed, you can swap it with diced fresh tomatoes and add a touch of hot sauce if you like it spicy. Store-bought is easy, but homemade salsa can elevate the dish!
Black Beans: These are optional but add extra protein and fiber. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or even kidney beans can work. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas provide a nice traditional flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and can hold more fillings. Choose based on your personal preference!
How Do You Shred Chicken Effortlessly in a Crock Pot?
Shredding chicken directly in the crock pot is a great time-saver. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Wait until the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding. This usually takes about 6-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.
- Use two forks: one to hold the chicken in place and the other to pull apart the meat. It should shred easily!
- Mix the shredded chicken with the salsa and beans in the pot for even flavor distribution.
Don’t rush this step; the longer cook time really helps the flavors meld together, making your tacos taste amazing!
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup salsa (your choice of mild or spicy)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
For Garnishing:
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For Serving:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you can let it cook in the crock pot for 4-8 hours depending on your setting. Once it’s done, you’ll have flavorful chicken tacos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them right in the bottom of your crock pot. It’s the base for all the yummy toppings to come!
2. Season the Chicken:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. This will give your tacos that tasty flavor we all love!
3. Add the Salsa:
Now, pour the salsa over the chicken. Make sure it covers the chicken completely. This will keep the chicken moist and add even more flavor!
4. Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like to add more nutrition and flavor, sprinkle the drained black beans and corn on top of the salsa.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crock pot. Mix it with the salsa and beans for a good distribution of flavor!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Time to eat! Take some corn or flour tortillas and fill them with the shredded chicken mixture. It’s always fun to customize your tacos!
8. Add the Garnishes:
Top your tacos with chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Get creative and add as much or as little as you like!
9. Final Touch:
If you want, add a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice on top of your tacos for an extra zing!
10. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious crock pot chicken tacos with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crock pot. Just extend the cooking time by an hour for both low and high settings. The chicken will cook through and be perfectly shredable when done. Remember, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand!
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own! Combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt. This mix will give you that delicious taco flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwaves or on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months; just make sure to seal it well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Other Veggies to the Tacos?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even jalapeños for some heat. Simply chop them up and add them to the crock pot along with the other ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you add a lot of extra ingredients!
