When it comes to weeknight meals that promise ease and mouthwatering flavors, nothing beats Crockpot Chicken Tacos. This dish comes together effortlessly, allowing you to enjoy tender, tasty tacos without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weekday meal or hosting game day, this recipe can swiftly become a family favorite. With the convenience of a slow cooker and the delightful combination of spices, this dish offers a perfect meld of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive in and explore why this Crockpot Chicken Taco recipe deserves a special spot in your meal rotation.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe
There are countless reasons why this recipe is beloved among home cooks and taco enthusiasts alike. First and foremost, the hands-off approach of using a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it. You toss in your ingredients, and as the hours pass, the magic unfolds. The chicken thighs or breasts soak in the zesty salsa and spices, transforming into a rich, succulent filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Additionally, the versatility of tacos means you can customize them to suit your tastes. Load them up with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, and fresh avocado for a satisfying meal that everyone can personalize. Best of all, you can whip up a large batch, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers the next day. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Tacos
To get started on your culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients for your Crockpot Chicken Tacos:
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup jarred tomato salsa
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortillas (for serving)
- Shredded lettuce (for topping)
- Cheese (for topping)
- Pico de gallo (for topping)
- Avocado (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Pickled jalapeños (for topping)
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Creating your delicious Crockpot Chicken Tacos is simple. Follow these easy steps to achieve a dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Begin by placing the chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base for your flavorful mixture.
- Add Flavors: Pour in your jarred salsa along with the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. These ingredients not only add moisture but also infuse the chicken with vibrant flavors.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle your taco seasoning over the chicken, then add the brown sugar, minced garlic, and onion powder. Mixing these ingredients well will ensure each piece of chicken is coated in delicious spices.
- Slow Cook: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. While it cooks, the aromas will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, allowing it to soak up the flavorful juices in the pot.
- Final Touches: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir well, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. This brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zest.
- Serve: Warm your tortillas and fill them with the chicken mixture. Top with your choice of shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños. Your tacos are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Serving your Crockpot Chicken Tacos can be as fun as preparing them. An excellent way to create a taco bar is to set out various toppings on a table, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos. Here’s how to create an inviting presentation:
- Warm Tortillas: Start by warming the tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave until they are soft and pliable.
- Fill the Tortillas: Spoon the shredded chicken mixture into each tortilla, making sure to add plenty of the succulent, saucy chicken.
- Top It Off: Let your guests pile on their preferred toppings. The combination of textures and flavors makes each taco special, whether it’s a crunchy layer of lettuce or the creamy touch of avocado.
- Add A Side: Consider pairing your tacos with a side of rice, beans, or corn for a complete meal. You can also serve crispy tortilla chips with salsa as an appetizer.
- Drink Pairings: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea complement the zesty tacos perfectly and keep everyone energized.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chicken Tacos
To elevate your Crockpot Chicken Tacos, here are some handy tips from experienced chefs:
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out more during cooking.
- Experiment with Salsas: Don’t hesitate to mix and match different salsas – from mild to spicy – to customize the heat level to your liking.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding chopped bell peppers or onions into the slow cooker at the beginning. They will soften and infuse the chicken with additional flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: After shredding the chicken, taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra lime juice or salt can make a world of difference.
- Keep It Warm: If you’re serving a crowd, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting to keep your tacos at the perfect temperature while everyone enjoys.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Tacos
If you happen to have leftover Crockpot Chicken Tacos (which is rare, but it does happen!), storage is straightforward:
- Refrigerate: Allow the chicken mixture to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken filling. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken Tacos
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, and you can personalize it in various ways to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs:
- Spicy Chicken Tacos: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free taco filling. Increase the spices for extra flavor.
- Different Proteins: You can experiment with turkey or beef for a different take on the classic. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size of the meat.
- Savory Sauces: Try using different sauces like enchilada sauce or chipotle sauce in place of salsa for another layer of flavor.
- Taco Salad: Serve the flavorful chicken over a bed of greens with all the same toppings you’d use for your tacos. It’s a fresh, lighter twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken Tacos
What is the best type of chicken to use for Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
For the best results, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal due to their rich flavor and tender texture. You can use chicken breasts, but they may require more careful cooking to prevent dryness.
How long do I need to cook Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
You can cook the chicken on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours in your slow cooker, depending on your available time.
Can I make Crockpot Chicken Tacos without salsa?
Yes, while salsa adds a great flavor base, you can substitute it with other tomatoes or sauces like enchilada sauce. Just ensure you find a good balance of moisture and flavor.
What toppings go well with Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Can I freeze the leftovers from Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
Absolutely! You can freeze the leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup jarred tomato salsa
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- tortillas for serving
- shredded lettuce for topping
- cheese for topping
- pico de gallo for topping
- avocado for topping
- sour cream for topping
- pickled jalapeños for topping
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in the salsa, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, brown sugar, minced garlic, and onion powder over the chicken.
- Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture before serving.
- Serve warm in tortillas with your choice of toppings.
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