When it comes to making a delicious, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, Crockpot chicken tacos are the way to go. The beauty of cooking tacos in a slow cooker is that you can set it, forget it, and end up with flavorful chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and ready to be shredded. Whether you’re making Taco In Crockpot Chicken, Rotel Chicken Tacos Crockpot, or Street Taco Chicken Slow Cooker, this simple recipe offers a variety of ways to enjoy one of the most beloved dishes in Mexican cuisine.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Crockpot chicken tacos, from how to make them to tips for customizing your taco fillings. We’ll also introduce different variations of the recipe, including chicken with taco seasoning Crockpot and Mexican shredded chicken Crockpot easy. You’ll also discover how to create these tacos using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, depending on your preference.
Why Crockpot Chicken Tacos Are Perfect for Busy Days
One of the reasons Crockpot chicken tacos are so popular is their convenience. When you use a slow cooker, you’re able to throw everything into the pot in the morning, go about your day, and come back to a meal that’s ready to be served. Whether you’re preparing for a busy workday or a weekend gathering, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
Additionally, Crockpot chicken tacos are versatile. You can customize the toppings and fillings to suit your taste, and the chicken itself is tender and packed with flavor. The use of taco seasoning and slow cooking ensures that the chicken is infused with all the right spices, making every bite a burst of savory goodness.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Tacos
The basic ingredients for Crockpot chicken tacos are simple, making it easy for even the most novice cook to put together a delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Chicken breasts are typically used for taco filling because they shred easily when cooked. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Taco seasoning – This is the key to giving your chicken that bold, tangy taco flavor. You can either use a store-bought packet or make your own seasoning blend with ingredients like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies – These canned tomatoes add a bit of tang and heat to the dish, which perfectly complements the chicken. They’re a key ingredient in Rotel chicken tacos Crockpot and give your tacos that distinct southwestern flair.
- Chicken broth – Adding chicken broth helps to keep the chicken moist while it cooks and enhances the flavor.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice is perfect for squeezing over your tacos just before serving, adding brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Corn or flour tortillas – These are used to hold your taco fillings. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for tacos, while flour tortillas are a bit softer and more flexible.
- Toppings – Common toppings for Crockpot chicken tacos include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, and salsa. Customize these based on your preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s break down the steps to make this easy Crockpot chicken taco recipe. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, the process is similar.
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the Crockpot. No need to brown the chicken beforehand, as the slow cooker will do all the cooking for you.
Step 2: Add the Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Be sure to coat each piece so the seasoning penetrates the chicken as it cooks. If you prefer a spicier taco filling, you can add extra chili powder or even some cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
Step 3: Add Rotel Tomatoes and Chicken Broth
Next, pour the Rotel diced tomatoes (with green chilies) over the chicken. These tomatoes give your chicken that zesty flavor that’s a hallmark of taco meat. Then, add a bit of chicken broth to the slow cooker to help keep the chicken moist and tender as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook Your Chicken
Set your Crockpot to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your time constraints. The key to getting tender, flavorful chicken is to cook it slowly. As the chicken cooks, the flavors from the taco seasoning and tomatoes will infuse the meat.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should pull apart easily. You can also leave it in the Crockpot for a bit longer to allow the juices to absorb into the chicken for more flavor.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Now that the chicken is shredded and seasoned, it’s time to assemble your tacos! Warm your tortillas and fill them with the shredded chicken. Top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and cheese.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot chicken tacos immediately with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Garnish with a squeeze of lime juice for added zest.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Tacos
There are plenty of ways to make your Crockpot chicken tacos even more exciting. Below are a few variations and ideas that you can experiment with to take your tacos to the next level.
1. Mexican Shredded Chicken Crockpot Easy
For a simpler take on chicken tacos, you can skip the Rotel tomatoes and just use taco seasoning and chicken broth. This will give you Mexican shredded chicken Crockpot easy to use as a taco filling or for other Mexican dishes like burritos or enchiladas.
2. Taco Chicken Crockpot Recipes Easy
If you’re short on time or ingredients, try a basic chicken taco recipe using just chicken, taco seasoning, and a little water. This taco chicken Crockpot recipes easy version still delivers the flavor but requires less prep work.
3. Chicken With Taco Seasoning Crockpot
For a flavorful and simple meal, use just chicken and taco seasoning in your Crockpot. This is the base of most taco fillings and will give you a juicy and tender chicken that can be used in any taco variation.
4. Street Taco Chicken Slow Cooker
If you’re craving authentic Mexican street tacos, make Street Taco Chicken Slow Cooker by using smaller tortillas and adding a cilantro-lime slaw as a topping. You can also top the tacos with fresh onions and a drizzle of hot sauce for that classic street taco feel.
5. Instapot Tacos Chicken
If you prefer to make your tacos in an Instant Pot rather than a slow cooker, you can follow the same steps but use the “Pressure Cook” function for a faster cook time. You’ll get similarly juicy, shredded chicken in just 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor: While chicken breasts are more common for taco filling, chicken thighs have more fat and flavor. If you prefer a juicier taco, opt for thighs instead.
- Add extra vegetables: For a healthier twist, add chopped bell peppers, onions, and even corn to the Crockpot along with the chicken. These veggies will soak up the taco seasoning and create a more robust filling.
- Spice it up: If you like your tacos with some heat, add extra jalapeños or even a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky flavor.
- Top with pickled onions: If you like a tangy kick to your tacos, top them with homemade or store-bought pickled onions. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the chicken and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Let the chicken sit in the Crockpot after cooking: Once the chicken is shredded, let it sit in the juices for an additional 10 to 15 minutes for maximum flavor infusion.
Conclusion
Crockpot chicken tacos are a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. Whether you’re making Taco In Crockpot Chicken, Rotel Chicken Tacos Crockpot, or Street Taco Chicken Slow Cooker, this recipe is guaranteed to please. With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of variations to suit your taste, you’ll have a satisfying taco meal in no time. You can even take your tacos to the next level with some extra toppings and seasonings for a truly memorable dish.
So, next time you’re craving tacos, let your Crockpot do the work for you. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have mouthwatering Mexican-inspired tacos that are perfect for any occasion.
