Name: CrockPot Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 h 10 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz jar salsa; 15.5 oz can diced tomatoes with chilies; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 4 oz can diced green chilies; 1 small onion, diced; For the Homemade Taco Seasoning (if using homemade):; 4 tablespoons Ancho chili powder; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; 4 teaspoons kosher salt; 3 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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These CrockPot Chicken Tacos are a simple and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. With tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a zesty salsa mixture, it’s the perfect filling for tacos, rice bowls, or burritos. The homemade taco seasoning adds an extra layer of depth, but store-bought seasoning works just as well for a quick, easy dinner. This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a delicious dinner with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This CrockPot Chicken Taco recipe is both effortless and packed with flavor. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with the zesty salsa, tomatoes, and homemade taco seasoning, making it perfect for tacos or any Mexican-inspired meal. The best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal, so you can go about your day while the crockpot does all the work. Plus, it’s versatile, and you can serve it in so many different ways!

CrockPot Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz jar salsa
15.5 oz can diced tomatoes with chilies
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
4 oz can diced green chilies
1 small onion, diced

For the Homemade Taco Seasoning (if using homemade):

4 tablespoons Ancho chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons cornstarch
4 teaspoons kosher salt
3 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 ½ teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot. Top with the diced onions.

Make the Salsa Mixture:

In a medium bowl, combine the salsa, canned tomatoes with chilies, taco seasoning (either store-bought or homemade), and diced green chilies. Stir to combine.

Cook the Chicken:

Pour the salsa mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring the chicken is completely covered. Stir a little to mix.
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Shred the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using tongs or two forks.
Stir the shredded chicken into the taco sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the sauce.

Serve:

Serve the shredded chicken immediately in taco shells, on rice bowls, or in burritos.
Add your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or cheese.

Store:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (if cooking on high)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time (if cooking on low): 4-5 hours

Variations

Spicy Version: Add more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the salsa mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Make it Mild: If you prefer a milder flavor, skip the cayenne and use a mild salsa. You can also reduce or eliminate the green chilies.
Shredded Chicken Nachos: Serve the shredded chicken on a tray of tortilla chips, top with cheese, and bake until the cheese melts for a nacho version of this dish.
Vegetarian Option: Use a combination of beans (black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans) instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian taco filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, cooking time may be slightly longer, and you’ll want to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They will be even more tender than chicken breasts and add extra flavor to the dish.

3. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, you can use store-bought taco seasoning instead of the homemade version. About 2 tablespoons should be enough to give the chicken great flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then release the pressure naturally. Shred the chicken and simmer it in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.

5. Can I add other ingredients to the tacos?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, or hot sauce to customize your tacos.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave when ready to serve.

7. How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the salsa and taco seasoning mixture overnight before cooking.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe by increasing the chicken and other ingredients, but make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra food.

Conclusion

CrockPot Chicken Tacos are a perfect weeknight dinner, offering tender, flavorful chicken in a delicious salsa-based sauce. This recipe is incredibly easy, and with just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. Whether you serve it with your favorite toppings or enjoy it on its own, this dish is sure to satisfy! Enjoy!