Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe: Tender Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up tender, flavorful Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos with minimal effort. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy evenings, promising delicious results every time.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Gluten-Free Option (with corn tortillas & GF seasoning)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 lbs)
02 -
Chicken Broth (1 cup)
03 -
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz can, Rotel)
04 -
Yellow Onion (1 small)
→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings
05 -
Taco Seasoning Mix (1 packet, 1 oz)
06 -
Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced)
07 -
Fresh Lime Juice (2 tbsp)
→ Garnish & Toppings
08 -
Warm Tortillas
09 -
Fresh Cilantro, chopped
10 -
Shredded Cheese
11 -
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
12 -
Avocado or Guacamole
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your trusty slow cooker. I usually give mine a quick spray with cooking oil, especially if I’m feeling paranoid about sticking, though for this Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe, it’s not strictly necessary. Place the chicken breasts right in the bottom. Don't worry about them being perfectly arranged; they're going to get cozy in there. I always make sure the chicken is thawed, because one time I tried to cook frozen chicken and it just took *forever*, and the texture was a bit off, honestly.
02 -
Now, sprinkle that taco seasoning all over the chicken. Be generous! Then, toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour in the chicken broth. I always take a moment to smell the spices mingling; it’s the first hint of the deliciousness to come. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid; this keeps it super tender. I've had a few instances where I didn't add enough liquid, and the chicken ended up a bit drier than I like, oops!
03 -
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Seriously, that's it for a while! Go live your life, run errands, tackle that laundry mountain, or just relax. The house will start to smell absolutely incredible, a warm, inviting aroma that just screams "dinner is handled!" I get so excited when that smell starts wafting through; it's like a promise of an easy evening.
04 -
Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be fall-apart tender. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Grab two forks and start shredding! It should be super easy, practically melting under the forks. If it's tough, it needs more time, so just pop it back in. I usually reserve about a cup of the cooking liquid from the crockpot to add back in with the shredded chicken; it keeps things incredibly moist and flavorful. Don't skip that step!
05 -
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the remaining liquid. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in that amazing, savory sauce. This is where you can really see the magic happen, as the chicken soaks up all those delicious flavors. I sometimes give it a taste test here and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little extra salt or a dash more cumin if it feels like it’s missing something. Trust your taste buds!
06 -
Before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice. This brightens up the whole dish and adds a lovely zesty finish. Give it a final stir, and your Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos filling is ready! Serve it up hot with warm tortillas and all your favorite toppings – cheese, cilantro, sour cream, avocado. It looks so vibrant and smells even better. Enjoy your effortless, delicious dinner!
# Notes:
01 -
Always thaw chicken before slow cooking for best texture, I learned this the hard way!
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; it freezes great too.
03 -
If you don't have Rotel, use plain diced tomatoes with a pinch of chili powder and cayenne.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the very end brightens everything up and makes it pop!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Two forks
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 15-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 20-30g
Protein: 30-40g