Easy, Tasty Crockpot Chicken Tacos (2024)

Taco night will look different at our house from now on with crockpot chicken tacos.

In every household, certain traditions and routines bring us comfort and a sense of togetherness.

Among these, Taco Night stands out as a vibrant and flavorful ritual that many families look forward to each week.

Whether it’s due to dietary changes, a desire to explore new cuisines, or simply to add a twist to the familiar, Taco Night at our house is about to get a fresh, exciting makeover.

Enter the crock pot chicken tacos- with a classic taco seasoning but a whole new taste I love!

Once I made these slow cooker chicken tacos, I don’t know if I can go back to traditional ground beef… and that’s hard for me to say!

I would usually prefer beef over chicken every time, but these are my new favorite tacos.

Slow cooker chicken tacos are WAY easier for me- and according to my kids, they taste WAY better.

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low – 8 hours; Medium – 6 hours; High – 4 hours
• Main Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, chili powder, cumin powder, onion powder, and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras: If you want a sweet and spicy kick in your tacos, add pineapple and mango with some jalapeños
• Tip: Use a potato masher to smoosh and forks to shred the chicken breasts, it’s pretty cook and has less cleanup than using a stand mixer

Easy, Tasty Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Let’s talk about how easy these slow cooker chicken tacos are to put together!

Simply toss in 2-3 chicken breasts (about 1-1.5 pounds).

I cut each chicken breast into chunks to cook them faster and more thoroughly- usually into 3-4 strips per chicken breast.

Mix all the powder and spices into a blended taco seasoning mix and sprinkle it on top of the chicken.

Then, add the bouillon cube and water on top.

These crock pot chicken tacos are as simple as those few steps!

Cook the chicken tacos on high in your slow cooker for 4 hours, and then you’re ready to shred the chicken!

At this point, the chicken will fall apart and shred easily. You can use forks or a potato masher to get shredded chicken faster without taking it out of the crock pot.

Serve your crock pot chicken tacos in either soft or hard shells, and then top however you please!

Crock pot chicken tacos also would work AMAZING for freezer cooking. Just add chicken breasts and taco seasoning in a freezer bag to cook at a later date.

I can tell you, with how easy this recipe is, I’ll be making chicken tacos for at least 2X a month now!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Author: Brittany Kline

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Ingredients

• 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 bouillon cube
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

• Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add all other ingredients on top.
• Cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 8, medium for 6).
• Shred with forks or a potato masher.
• Serve in taco shells and top as desired.

Recipe Substitutions

One of the beauties of these Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos is their versatility, allowing you to swap in ingredients based on dietary restrictions or simply to explore new flavors.

Get creative and make these tacos your own!

The Meat

Flavorful shredded chicken isn’t the typical pick for taco night, but why stop at just one type of taco? Swap chicken tacos into any protein you feel like!

Mix things up by swapping shredded chicken with a variety of protein options like shrimp, fish, or even tofu for those looking for alternative sources of protein.

Vegetarian wanting meat substitutes or looking to incorporate more plants into your diet? Swap out the chicken for a mix of beans and lentils, making sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

You’ll want to adjust your crock pot cooking time, like less time for shrimp or tofu, but add time for beans or lentils to fully cook.

The Veggies

Adding vegetables to your slow cooker chicken tacos introduces a variety of textures, flavors, and colors, making each bite a delightful surprise.

Consider tossing in some bell peppers and onions for a classic combination that softens beautifully in the slow cooker.

For a bit of a crunch, fresh chopped tomatoes, diced onion, and shredded lettuce added after cooking can do wonders.

If you’re aiming for a sweet and spicy mix, chunks of pineapple or mango paired with finely chopped jalapeños are sure to please.

Don’t overlook the option of stirring in some corn or black beans towards the end of cooking for that hearty, filling touch.

The Taco Seasoning

These crock pot chicken tacos are a simple blend of seasonings that are a classic taco taste- but it can be even more than that.

You are always welcome to tinker with the seasonings on recipes or even use the store bought taco seasoning packets if those are your favorite flavors.

But here are some recommendations I have!

For an adventurous twist, replace traditional taco seasonings with curry powder or Moroccan spice blends for an international flavor profile.

When I swap the protein, I also change up the seasonings- for example, when I make shrimp tacos, I add more garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, parsley, and a bit of sprinkled Parmesan cheese.

The Tortillas

The choice of tortilla can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your crock pot chicken tacos.

While traditional soft flour tortillas are always a hit, there are numerous alternative options you can explore for a unique twist.

The easiest swap is corn tortillas, which add a little hint of sweetness to the savory, shredded chicken tacos.

I’ll even make a taco bowl instead with tortilla chips, which add such a great crunch to the soft shredded chicken, canned tomatoes, chopped onion, and all the other toppings I love.

For a healthier, lower-carb option, consider lettuce wraps, which add a refreshing crunch and are packed with nutrients.

You could also use low-carb Keto tortillas, which I think taste just like the regular flour tortillas, though they are a bit more pricey at checkout.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, look for tortillas made from almond or coconut flour. These are not only tasty but also accommodate dietary restrictions.

Innovative swaps like jicama wraps provide a juicy, crisp texture and a mild, sweet taste that beautifully complement the savory flavors of the chicken filling.

The Toppings

Once things are out of the crock pot, the toppings are all in your hands.

You can play with the toppings for your chicken tacos as you want- avocado, pineapple salsa, hot sauce, and pickled onions can add exciting new dimensions to your taco experience.

Add a refreshing touch to your meal with fresh fruit salsa or a side of grilled vegetables to have with your tacos.

For those looking to lighten up their tacos, consider using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and opting for a low-fat cheese option.

Also, don’t forget the cheese! You can use any sort of cheese you like, but I typically use the taco blend from the store with extra cheddar cheese.

Other Crockpot Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

I also have tips on how to use a crock pot for anyone new to the slow cooking game.

FAQs

Can I use frozen boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for crockpot chicken tacos.

However, you might need to add an extra hour to cook chicken thoroughly- you’ll know it isn’t as ready when you can’t shred chicken as easily.

I found that frozen chicken cooks better in 6-8 hours and sometimes releases more liquid that you may want to drain as it cooks.

What are the best toppings for these chicken tacos?

Feel free to top your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even some fresh cilantro.

The beauty of crockpot chicken tacos is how customizable they are, so choose what you love!

Can I make this recipe with a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with beef or pork, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Beef might require a bit longer in the slow cooker to become tender and easy to shred.

Could I use chicken thighs for this taco recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs are the juiciest cut for crock pot recipes!

You can get boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut them up like I did the chicken breasts, and cook them for 4 hours on low like normal.

You can shred the chicken thighs just as easily, and the meat may be more moist if that’s what you like.

How long can I store the cooked chicken taco filling in the fridge?

The leftover chicken taco filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Make sure to cool it down before storing it.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use spices that are labeled gluten-free and serve the chicken with gluten-free tacos or over a gluten-free base like rice or quinoa, this recipe can be entirely gluten-free.

Remember to check all your ingredients if you’re catering to a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

Reimagining Taco Night with my crockpot chicken tacos recipe not only adds a delightful twist to a beloved family tradition but also offers an opportunity to explore healthier and flavorful alternatives.

This easy crockpot chicken tacos recipe demonstrates that with a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform a routine family meal into an exciting culinary adventure.

Whether you’re looking to shake up your meal prep routine, make healthier eating choices, or simply bring a new flavor to the dinner table, crockpot recipes like this is a delicious way to do it.

So don’t be afraid to experiment and shake things up who knows, you might just discover your new favorite taco recipe!

So, let’s get cooking and enjoy Taco Night like never before.

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