These crockpot shredded chicken tacos are a weeknight winner! With tender chicken cooked in spicy seasoning, they’re full of flavor and super easy to make.
Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love piling on fresh toppings like avocado and salsa. Who can resist a taco night?
It’s so simple—just set it and forget it, which gives me more time to relax. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they shred easily. You can swap them for thighs if you like a juicier texture or want a bit more flavor.
Chicken Broth: Feel free to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt levels. Vegetable broth also works if you want a lighter flavor or need a vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: If you run out of store-bought taco seasoning, mix your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s fun to adjust the spices to your taste!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, go for plain diced tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes with a bit of jalapeño instead.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are gluten-free and have a nice texture. Flour tortillas are great if you prefer something softer. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily in a Crockpot?
Shredding chicken in a crockpot is a breeze! The chicken cooks so tender that it practically falls apart. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Once cooking time is up, take two forks and gently pull apart the chicken in the crockpot.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- If you find it hard to shred, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to cool—it makes handling easier!
This method is so simple and ensures that the chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors! Enjoy your tacos!
The Best Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
For Serving:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and requires cooking in the crockpot for 3-8 hours, depending on your heat setting. Plan on a total of about 3-8 hours for cooking, and you’ll have delicious, tender shredded chicken ready for tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly for even cooking.
2. Add Chicken Broth and Seasoning:
Pour the 1 cup of chicken broth over the chicken. Then, take the taco seasoning packet and sprinkle it evenly on top of the chicken. This will add lots of flavor!
3. Mix in the Tomatoes:
Next, add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken. Make sure to include all the juices from the can for extra flavor.
4. Cook in the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you choose low heat, let it cook for 6-8 hours; on high heat, it will be ready in about 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and fully cooked.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it well with the juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Now it’s time to prepare the tortillas! You can warm them in a skillet or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re nice and pliable.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a tortilla and place a generous amount of the shredded chicken on it. You can load it up as much as you like!
8. Add the Toppings:
Next, top your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and red onion. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over them. Enjoy your delicious homemade tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, you might need to increase the cooking time by an hour or two, depending on your crockpot. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. You can add the chicken directly without thawing, but it’s best to keep an eye on the cooking process.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can easily make your own! Combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference!
How Do I Store Leftover Shredded Chicken?
Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to label the container with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave to reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make These Tacos Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option. Make sure to check the labels on your taco seasoning and any additional toppings (like sour cream) to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
