Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken with zesty salsa and taco seasoning, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy and delicious taco night. Garnished with fresh cilantro, lime juice, cheese, and a variety of toppings, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup salsa (Tenayo original salsa recommended)
- 1 package taco seasoning (or ¼ cup taco seasoning)
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice from 1 lime
- 10 tortillas
- 1 1/4 cup cheese (such as cotija, cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Pickled onions
- Sour cream
- Additional lime wedges
- Chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: In your slow cooker, combine 1 1/4 cup of salsa and one package (or 1/4 cup) of taco seasoning. Stir well to mix the flavors evenly. Add the 1.5 lbs of chicken breast, ensuring the chicken is coated with the salsa and seasoning mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on high heat for 3 hours or on low heat for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with the taco seasoning flavors.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and flavor: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cilantro and juice of one lime, mixing thoroughly to distribute the fresh flavor throughout the chicken.
- Warm and assemble tacos: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Fill each tortilla with the shredded chicken mixture, then top with 1 1/4 cups of cheese and your preferred optional toppings such as lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo, pickled onions, sour cream, and additional lime wedges or tomatoes.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, choose a hot salsa or add extra chili powder to the taco seasoning.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- To save time, prepare the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator; reheat before serving.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, this recipe can be adapted by simmering the chicken in a covered pan on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
