Oh, tacos! Is there anything better on a busy weeknight? Honestly, some evenings I look in the fridge and think, “What on earth am I going to make that’s fast AND yummy?” That’s usually when I reach for this Irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe To Try Now. It’s a total game-changer. I remember one Tuesday night, after a crazy day at work, the kids were practically vibrating with hunger, and I hadn’t even *thought* about dinner. Five minutes of prep, dump it all in the slow cooker, and by the time we were all home and settled, the most amazing, tender chicken was waiting. Pure magic! I just love finding those recipes that make life easier without sacrificing flavor, and this one is definitely a star in my go-to collection.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe

This taco recipe is seriously a weeknight lifesaver, and here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

So Easy! It’s practically hands-off. You just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do all the hard work. No fuss, no stress.
Minimal Cleanup: Seriously, only one pot to wash? That’s my kind of cooking!
Tender, Flavorful Chicken: The slow cooking process makes the chicken fall-apart tender and absorbs all those delicious taco flavors. Wow!
Perfect for Busy Nights: Got a packed schedule? This recipe is your best friend. Dinner is practically sorted.
Super Versatile: Tacos are just the beginning! This seasoned chicken is amazing in salads, burritos, or quesadillas too.

Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Alright, let’s get our grocery list ready! For these amazing slow cooker chicken tacos, you’ll need:

A good 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You could totally use thighs too, just a heads-up!
One standard packet (about 1 ounce) of your favorite taco seasoning.
About 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth.
Half a cup of your go-to chunky salsa – mild, medium, or hot, your call!
A quarter cup of finely chopped yellow onion. Don’t skip this, it adds such a great depth of flavor!
One little clove of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is always best!
A dozen (that’s 12!) medium taco shells. I like to use a mix of corn and flour sometimes, but pick your favorite.
And for the best part, the toppings! We’re talking shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend!), a dollop of sour cream, some creamy slices of avocado, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Prepare Irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos: Step-by-Step

Honestly, the best part about this recipe is how ridiculously easy it is to get dinner on the table. You’re going to wonder why you ever bothered with complicated taco nights! Here’s the simple breakdown:

Prep the Slow Cooker Chicken

First things first, grab your slow cooker. Pop those chicken breasts right into the bottom. Now, in a separate little bowl, whisk together your taco seasoning, chicken broth, and that yummy salsa. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic too. Give it a good mix until everything is combined, then just pour this flavor-packed liquid right over the chicken. See? Already so simple! It’s almost as easy as whipping up some chimichurri sauce or making some quick garlic breadsticks.

Slow Cooker Magic: Cooking the Chicken

Pop that lid on tight and set your slow cooker to low for about 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a pinch, you can crank it up to high for 3-4 hours. Whichever you choose, get ready for your whole house to start smelling absolutely amazing. That savory, spicy aroma is the first sign that tacos are on their way!

Shredding and Finishing the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked and super tender, carefully take it out of the slow cooker. I like to use two forks to shred it right in the pot. This is where the real magic happens – putting the shredded chicken back into that delicious sauce and giving it a good stir. This step is so important because it lets the chicken really soak up all that fantastic flavor. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

Warming Taco Shells and Assembling

While your chicken is having its flavor bath, warm up your taco shells according to the package directions. You know, crisp them up a little in the oven or microwave. Then, it’s assembly time! Spoon that tender, saucy chicken into your shells. Pile on your favorite toppings – lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream… get creative! It’s ready in minutes! If you have any leftover chicken, it’s also fantastic in things like a salad, kind of like how our cornbread makes a great side for so many meals.

Tips for the Best Irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Okay, so this recipe is already pretty darn amazing because it’s so easy, right? But if you really want to take your slow cooker chicken tacos to the next level, I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve. These are things I’ve learned over the years that just make the whole experience even better!

First off, for that super tender, shreddable chicken, don’t be afraid to let it cook low and slow. If you have the time, that 8-hour low setting is pure gold. It makes the chicken practically fall apart with just a fork. If you are in a *real* rush though, high heat works, but you might need to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get *too* dry. Also, for a little extra kick, I sometimes throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the taco seasoning. It’s not too much, just enough to wake up your taste buds a bit!

And speaking of chicken, while breasts are great, don’t shy away from using chicken thighs! They have a bit more fat, which means they stay incredibly moist and tender in the slow cooker, and they pick up flavors like champs. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time slightly, maybe an hour longer on low. If you end up with a little too much liquid in your slow cooker after shredding, just scoop some of it out before you stir the chicken back in. Nobody wants soggy tacos!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless here. This chicken is also amazing in things like a hearty chicken and avocado salad, so don’t feel like it HAS to be tacos every time!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Alright, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec. The taco seasoning packet is super convenient, but if you’re out, you can totally whip up your own blend! Just mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of oregano. For the broth, low-sodium is my go-to so I can control the salt, but regular chicken broth works fine too. And salsa! Use your favorite kind – a smoky chipotle salsa or even a fruity mango salsa can be fun twists. If chicken breasts seem too lean for you, chicken thighs are fantastic here; they’re just more forgiving and stay incredibly moist.

Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Tacos

These chicken tacos are so dreamy, they deserve some equally awesome sidekicks! We love serving them with a side of simple black beans or some fresh corn salsa. If you’re feeling adventurous, a fruity drink like a glass of homemade Hawaiian Punch or a refreshing smoothie from this list of 5 delicious smoothies really rounds out the meal perfectly. It’s all about making taco night a flavor fiesta!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftover slow cooker chicken? Lucky you! Once it’s cooled a bit, just pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do it gently in the microwave or even in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of extra broth or water to keep it nice and moist. Avoid microwaving on high or overcooking, as it can make the chicken a little dry. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Got questions about these super easy tacos? I’ve got you covered!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Oh, absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this recipe. They have a bit more fat, which means they stay incredibly moist and tender in the slow cooker, and they get super flavorful. You might need to cook them just a little longer, maybe an extra hour on low, but they’re a delicious alternative!

How can I make these tacos spicier?

If you like things with a kick, you’ve got options! I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper right in with the taco seasoning. Another great way is to use a spicier salsa, or even add a chopped jalapeño (seeds and all for extra heat!) to the slow cooker when it’s cooking. A dash of hot sauce at the end also works wonders!

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, you totally can! Let the shredded chicken cool down completely first. Then, store it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

No worries at all! It’s easy to make your own taco seasoning blend. Just grab about 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and maybe a pinch of dried oregano. Mix it all up, and you’ve got yourself a perfect substitute!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a friendly heads-up, the nutrition info for these tacos is an estimate, since we all know ingredients can vary a bit! This is based on about 2 tacos with the chicken mixture and some basic toppings. So, roughly per serving, you’re looking at around:

Calories: about 350
Fat: 15g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sodium: 600mg

Remember, loading up on extra cheese or sour cream will bump those numbers up a bit. Enjoy!

Irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Easy and flavorful slow cooker chicken tacos perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
12 taco shells
Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix taco seasoning, chicken broth, salsa, onion, and garlic.
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce.
Warm taco shells according to package directions.
Fill taco shells with shredded chicken and your favorite toppings.

Notes

For spicier tacos, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
You can also use chicken thighs for this recipe.
Leftover chicken can be used for salads or quesadillas.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, shredded chicken tacos, weeknight dinner, Mexican food, taco recipe