These Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos are super easy and bursting with flavor. Just toss chicken, spices, and salsa in a slow cooker, and let it work its magic!
Honestly, it’s hard to beat shredded chicken when it’s this simple! I love piling it high on tortillas with toppings like cheese and avocado—delicious and fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for a lean and tender result. If you want, you can swap them for thighs for extra flavor and moisture, or even use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Chicken Broth: For added flavor, homemade chicken broth is great. If you’re short on time, low-sodium store-bought broth works well too. Vegetable broth can be a nice swap for a vegetarian option.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds a tasty kick. If you can’t find them, use plain diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chopped green chilies or jalapeños to reach your desired spice level.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning saves time, but make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a fresher taste. Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat!
Tortillas: You can use corn or flour tortillas based on your preference. If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are the way to go. Alternatively, lettuce wraps are a fun way to make this low-carb!
How Do You Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding chicken in the crockpot is super easy but does need a bit of technique for the best results. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and pull the meat apart gently. Start at the thickest parts and work your way out.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the broth and tomato juices in the crockpot. This makes the chicken flavorful and moist.
- Don’t rush! Let it soak up the juices for a minute; that’ll enhance the flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos Fiesta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- Lime wedges for serving
- Tortilla chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then you can relax! The slow cooker will do the work—cooking the chicken for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your crockpot. Pour the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies right over the chicken. This will add flavor and moisture for cooking!
2. Seasoning Time:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning, chopped onions, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. This mix will smell amazing as it cooks!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Now, cover your crockpot with the lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and easy to shred. It’ll be juicy and full of flavor!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot, mixing it with all those delicious juices. This will make sure every bite is flavorful!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Before serving, take your corn or flour tortillas and warm them up! You can heat them in a dry skillet on the stove or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re warm and flexible.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s taco time! Take a warmed tortilla and add a generous amount of the shredded chicken. Top it off with some diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco for that perfect finish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to dig in! Serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top. If you like, add some tortilla chips for crunch. Enjoy your Taco Fiesta!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but don’t skip the thawing step for best results. It’s safest to thaw them overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting or place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Do ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly during slow cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own taco seasoning at home. Combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt to taste. This mix will give you that great taco flavor you need!
How Should I Store Leftover Shredded Chicken?
Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to include some of the cooking juices to keep it moist. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for longer storage (up to 3 months) – just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Tacos?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your taco toppings. You can add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or even shredded lettuce. Just keep in mind that if you add extra fresh ingredients, it might be best to serve them on top cold to maintain their crunch.
