These Crockpot chicken tacos are my new obsession. I love how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while I’m out living my best life. When I come home, the house smells incredible, and dinner is practically ready!
The chicken comes out so tender and flavorful. I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth, packed-with-zesty-goodness kind of delicious.
And let me tell you, customizing these bad boys with all your favorite toppings is half the fun!
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’ll make you feel like a kitchen wizard, give these a try.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Effortless Preparation: Set it and forget it! This recipe allows you to throw all ingredients into the slow cooker and return hours later to a perfectly cooked meal.
Full of Flavor: The combination of fresh salsa, taco seasoning, and slow-cooked chicken results in a mouthwatering, savory dish.
Perfect for Leftovers: The shredded chicken mixture keeps well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep. Transform it into enchiladas, quesadillas, or taco salads throughout the week.
Party-Pleaser: This large-batch recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd at gatherings, game nights, or potlucks.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the show. They’re tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
- Fresh Salsa: It adds a zesty kick and a burst of freshness. Choose your favorite brand for the best results.
- Taco Seasoning: The perfect blend of spices gives your chicken that authentic taco taste. Opt for a packet without MSG or artificial ingredients.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: A can provides a tangy, slightly spicy base for the chicken to simmer in. Don’t drain the can. You want all those flavorful juices!
- Onion: It adds a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Dice it up and let it meld with the other ingredients.
- Fresh Cilantro: It brings a bright, citrusy note to perfectly complement the rich flavors of the chicken. Chop it up and stir it in at the end for the best results.
- Fresh Lime Juice: It adds a tangy, zesty finish that ties all the flavors together. Squeeze it in just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Soft Tortillas: They’re the perfect vessel for this flavorful chicken. Load them up with shredded cheese, cool sour cream, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and creamy avocado.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Tacos just don’t get much easier than this recipe!
1. Prepare the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Mix the ingredients. In a bowl, mix together the salsa, taco seasoning, and undrained tomatoes. Pour the mixture over the chicken, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Top with the diced onion.
3. Cook the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
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 it into the juices.
5. Add the final touches. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
6. Serve the tacos. Serve the chicken in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos
This recipe is super easy, and these tips make it foolproof!
- Choose the best meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavorful and tender meat compared to chicken breasts.
- Fresh is best. Opt for fresh, high-quality salsa to add vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Work in layers. Spread some salsa on the bottom of the crockpot before adding the chicken to prevent sticking and burning. Layer the chicken, seasonings, and the rest of the salsa on top without stirring for the best results.
- Boost the flavor. Use a flavorful, robust taco seasoning blend. If using a store-bought mix, add extra cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chipotle powder to taste.
- Taste and adjust. Taste the chicken mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.
- Serve them in style. For the best taste and texture, serve the chicken in warm tortillas. For customization, offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.
- Experiment with variations. Try using pork or beef instead of chicken, or add beans, corn, or bell peppers for different flavors and textures.
How to Store
Leftovers can be repurposed in so many delicious ways with this recipe! Here’s how to keep them fresh.
To Store: Place the cooled chicken mixture in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the toppings and tortillas separately to prevent fogginess.
To Freeze: Transfer the cooled chicken mixture to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
To Reheat: Microwave the chicken mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Or, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
6
servings5
minutes8
hours364
kcalFor an easy meal the family will love, try these Crockpot chicken tacos! Just set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Ingredients
3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup fresh salsa (use your favorite brand)
1 packet taco seasoning (preferably without MSG or artificial ingredients)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Tortillas and your favorite taco toppings
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the salsa, taco seasoning, and undrained tomatoes. Pour the mixture over the chicken, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Top with the diced onion.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve the chicken in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
