This recipe for Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos has been my kitchen’s secret weapon for over a decade, a true lifesaver during the whirlwind of raising a family. Honestly, it feels less like a recipe and more like a reliable friend, the one you call when everything is hectic and you need a warm, delicious hug on a plate.
Picture those evenings rushing from work to water polo games, walking through the door at 7 PM with everyone starving. That’s where my slow cooker became the real MVP.
This recipe was my golden ticket out of the drive-thru lane, a way to feed my crew something fantastic without the stress. It’s the ultimate “dump and go” meal, creating incredibly tender, flavorful shredded chicken that’s just waiting for you when you get home.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering these simple items is the only real “work” you’ll do. Here’s what you need to create that magic:
- Chicken: 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You’ll likely need 4 to 6 pieces to hit that weight, so don’t worry if it looks like more than just three giant fillets.
- Taco Seasoning: Three heaping tablespoons of your favorite blend. I always have a jar of my homemade mix in the pantry—it lets me control the salt and spice just how we like it. A store-bought packet works perfectly, too, no fuss at all.
- Onion: About ¾ cup of diced yellow or white onion. It adds a sweet, savory base note that melts right into the sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can, with the juice. Regular diced tomatoes are great, but fire-roasted ones add a lovely smoky depth if you have them.
- Diced Green Chiles: A small 4.5-ounce can, undrained. They provide a gentle, tangy warmth, not intense heat, and are key to that fantastic flavor.
- Cilantro: A half-cup, chopped, but only if you’re a fan. We love the bright, fresh pop it gives the finished chicken. If cilantro tastes like soap to you, just leave it out.
How to make Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos?
The process is beautifully straightforward. Just a few minutes in the morning sets you up for dinnertime success.
Step 1- Layer It All In
Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the top, letting it coat the chicken. Next, scatter on the diced onion.
Then, simply pour the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all) over everything. Follow it with the can of diced green chiles. Here’s the important part: don’t stir. Just let it all sit in those lovely, distinct layers.
Step 2- Let the Slow Cooker Work
Put the lid on and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. That’s it. Walk away. Go to work, run errands, live your life. The low, steady heat is gently breaking down the chicken, making it fork-tender and infusing it with all those spices.
When you lift the lid, your kitchen will smell amazing. Test the chicken by gently poking it with a fork; it should easily pull apart. If it still feels tough, give it a bit more time.
Step 3- Shred and Finish
Use two forks to shred the chicken right there in the slow cooker. Pull the meat apart, mixing it back into all that delicious, seasoned cooking liquid as you go.
This is where it transforms from cooked chicken into juicy, saucy taco filling. Once it’s shredded to your liking, stir in the chopped cilantro if you’re using it. You’re ready to serve.
Beyond the Basic Taco
This chicken is a blank canvas for your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Sure, spoon it into warm tortillas with all the fixings. But let’s talk about leftovers, or just a fun change of pace.
Pile it over a bowl of cilantro-lime rice with black beans for a hearty burrito bowl. It makes the most incredible, easy enchiladas—just roll it up in tortillas, cover with sauce and cheese, and bake.
My personal favorite? Using the leftovers for epic loaded nachos the next day. Layer it over chips with beans and cheese, broil until bubbly, and top with salsa and guacamole. It’s a whole new meal with zero extra effort.
Tips
A few little notes from my kitchen to yours can make this recipe even smoother.
- Thaw Your Chicken: Always start with thawed chicken, not frozen. For food safety and to prevent a watery final dish, thawing first is the way to go.
- Trust the Liquid: You don’t need to add broth or water. The juice from the tomatoes and chiles, plus what the chicken releases, is plenty to create a perfect cooking environment.
- Low and Slow is Best: I strongly prefer the LOW setting. It gives the connective tissue time to break down gently, resulting in the most tender, shreddable texture.
- Watch the Clock: While it needs time, don’t overdo it. On LOW, 6 to 8 hours is the sweet spot. Much longer, and the chicken can start to dry out or get a rubbery texture.
Keeping Your Delicious Leftovers
You’ll likely have some left, and that’s a very good thing. Let the chicken cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, perfect for those quick lunches.
For longer storage, I’m a fan of the freezer bag method. Spoon the cooled chicken into a freezer-safe bag, press out all the air, seal it, and lay it flat to freeze. Once solid, the flat bags stack neatly and save so much space.
They’ll be good for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
CrockPot Chicken Tacos Recipe
Description
This recipe for Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos creates incredibly tender, flavorful shredded chicken that works beautifully in a variety of Mexican dishes. Layer it in taco shells with toppings for easy chicken tacos on a busy day. It’s a dump-and-go slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or freezing for future meals.
ingredients
For Serving
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
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Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
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Top with the diced onion, then pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the top, followed by the undrained green chiles. Do not stir.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
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Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken into the cooking liquid.
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Stir in chopped cilantro (if using) until well combined.
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Serve warm in tortillas or over rice bowls with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5gg8%
- Saturated Fat 1.5gg8%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 85mgmg29%
- Sodium 480mgmg20%
- Potassium 530mgmg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 6gg2%
- Dietary Fiber 1gg4%
- Sugars 3gg
- Protein 34gg68%
- Calcium 2% mg
- Iron 8% mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For soft tacos: Toast flour tortillas in a dry skillet over MEDIUM heat for about 30 seconds per side.
- For crispy tacos: Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry corn tortillas for ~1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Freeze for later: Portion cooled chicken into freezer bags, press out air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Do not cook from frozen: Always thaw chicken before using for food safety and optimal texture.
