These delicious crockpot shredded chicken tacos are super simple to make! Just throw in chicken, taco seasoning, and a bit of broth, and let the slow cooker do all the hard work!
I love how tasty and juicy the chicken turns out. Plus, you can top them with your favorite goodies like cheese, salsa, or avocado. Taco night just got a whole lot easier! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook down tender. You could also use thighs for a richer flavor or even plant-based substitutes like jackfruit or tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well for a lighter taste, or you can simply use water with a bit of seasoning.
Taco Seasoning: A taco seasoning packet keeps things easy! You can make your own mix with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a fresh take. Adjust the spices to your taste!
Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds depth and heat. If you prefer less spice, use plain diced tomatoes or add fresh jalapeños to control the heat level.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can feel tricky, but it’s super simple! After cooking, the chicken will be tender and come apart easily. Here’s how to do it:
- Use two forks – one in each hand. Hold the chicken with one fork and pull the other fork down to shred it while mixing with the flavorful juices.
- Shred directly in the crockpot to soak up all the flavor!
- If you prefer, you can also use a hand mixer or stand mixer to shred the chicken quickly on low speed. Just be careful not to overdo it!
The Best Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (approximately 1 oz)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz)
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
For Toppings:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then lets your crockpot do the work! You’ll need around 6 to 8 hours if you’re cooking on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. This will be the main star of your tacos!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, taco seasoning, diced onion, minced garlic, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed, then pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook! If you have time, set it on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, high for 3-4 hours will do just fine! The chicken is ready when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s shredding time! Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot, mixing it with the delicious juices for extra flavor.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is getting shredded, you can warm the tortillas. Either use a dry skillet on the stove or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re soft and warm.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s taco time! Take a warm tortilla and place a generous amount of shredded chicken on it. Top it off with diced tomatoes, red onion, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze. Enjoy your delicious homemade crockpot shredded chicken tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken breasts, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour for low or 30 minutes for high. Ensure they reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Can I Substitute Homemade Taco Seasoning?
Absolutely! If you’d prefer to make your own taco seasoning, simply combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. This will give your tacos a great flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Are Some Good Toppings for These Tacos?
Besides the toppings listed in the recipe, feel free to add sliced avocado, jalapeños, or shredded cheese for extra flavor. You can also swap out sour cream for guacamole or add a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
