Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to the delicious aroma of Crock Pot Chicken Tacos wafting through the house. After a long day, nothing beats the convenience of a slow cooker, where you can toss in your ingredients and let the magic happen. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a spontaneous decision when I had friends over for a casual get-together. We were all craving tacos, but I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Just the thought of juicy, shredded chicken mingling with zesty salsa and spices was enough to get my mouth watering. Plus, the fact that it’s a crowd-pleaser made it even better. Everyone was raving about it, and I could hardly keep up with the requests for seconds!
Recipe Snapshot
6 hr 5 mins
5 mins
360 mins
Hard
350 kcal
30 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
6-qt Slow Cooker
Why Try This Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Convenient and Easy
One of the things I love most about Crock Pot Chicken Tacos is how easy they are to prepare. You don’t need to be an experienced chef to whip this up; all you need is a slow cooker and a few basic ingredients. Simply throw everything in, set it, and forget it. This means you can focus on enjoying your time with family and friends instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion
The combination of flavors in this dish is truly amazing. The tanginess of the salsa, the warmth of the taco seasoning, and the savory notes from the chicken come together to create a delightful flavor explosion. Each bite is a reminder of why tacos are such a beloved meal. You can customize the spices and toppings to suit your taste, making it versatile for everyone!
Healthy Option
This recipe is also a great way to enjoy a healthier taco night. Using lean chicken breasts means you’re getting good protein without the excess fat. Plus, the addition of black beans and corn adds fiber and nutrients, making it a balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re planning for the week ahead, Crock Pot Chicken Tacos is a fantastic option. You can make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick meals on busy nights. Just reheat and pair with your favorite toppings for a delicious dinner in minutes!
Family-Friendly
This recipe is perfect for families. Kids love tacos, and this recipe is a great way to involve them in the kitchen. Let them choose their own toppings, and you’ll have a fun dining experience that everyone can enjoy.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Ingredients
The ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are simple yet flavorful. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect taco experience. You’ll find that these ingredients not only work well together but also make preparation a breeze. Let’s explore each one!
- Salsa: About 1 and a half cups of salsa adds a zesty punch and moisture to the dish, ensuring the chicken turns out juicy and flavorful.
- Taco Seasoning: A 1-ounce package of taco seasoning brings all the essential spices together, making this dish full of classic taco flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need three pieces of boneless skinless chicken breasts as the primary protein source. They shred beautifully and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Frozen Corn Kernels: A cup of frozen corn kernels adds a sweet crunch and balances the spices, giving texture to the tacos.
- Black Beans: Use one 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed. They add protein and fiber, making your tacos nutritious!
Recipe Steps for Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Making Crock Pot Chicken Tacos is as easy as one, two, three! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
- Start by preparing your slow cooker. Place about one and a half cups of salsa at the bottom. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Next, open the packet of taco seasoning and sprinkle it evenly over the salsa. This seasoning is packed with flavors that will infuse your chicken.
- Take the three boneless skinless chicken breasts and place them directly into the slow cooker, ensuring they’re well-coated with the salsa and seasoning.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Cook for about six to eight hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork.
- After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step is where the magic happens, as the chicken is so tender and juicy!
- Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Stir in one cup of frozen corn kernels and one 15-ounce can of black beans that you’ve drained and rinsed. Combine well.
- Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for an additional fifteen minutes on low. This allows the flavors to meld and the corn and beans to heat through.
- Once ready, serve the Crock Pot Chicken Tacos with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Choosing the Right Salsa: The type of salsa you use can greatly impact the flavor. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for mild salsa, while those who enjoy heat can go for spicy.
- Slow Cooker Variations: If you’re short on time, you can cook this dish on high for about three to four hours. Just keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.
- Using Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier alternative. They hold up well during the slow cooking process.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They make for a quick lunch option!
Tips and Tricks about Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
It’s always fun to explore ways to enhance your Crock Pot Chicken Tacos experience. Here are some tips and tricks that can elevate your taco night!
- Storage: To store leftovers properly, place them in an airtight container. They can last up to four days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers, feel free to freeze them! Just cool the chicken to room temperature, then transfer it to freezer bags for up to four months.
- Pairing: Serve with warm tortillas or crispy taco shells for a delightful crunch. Don’t forget about toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro!
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for extra heat.
- Variations: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like diced bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.
What to Serve Alongside Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
When it comes to serving Crock Pot Chicken Tacos, the sky’s the limit! Here are some fantastic ideas to complement the tacos:
- Side Salad: A fresh salad with lime dressing pairs beautifully with tacos, balancing the rich flavors.
- Rice: Serve with cilantro-lime rice or Mexican rice for a deliciously filling meal.
- Guacamole: No taco night is complete without creamy guacamole. It’s the perfect dip for any taco!
- Chips and Salsa: Offer tortilla chips alongside for guests to snack on while they build their tacos.
- Occasional Treat: These tacos are perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even game day celebrations.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Crock Pot Chicken Tacos recipe truly embodies the essence of comfort food. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also delivers on flavor and satisfaction. I encourage you to try making these tonight to experience the joy of a simple, yet delicious meal that brings everyone together. Trust me, once you make these tacos, they will become a staple in your household!
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place salsa, taco seasoning, and chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return chicken to slow cooker.
- Add corn and black beans. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can use any chicken you have on hand; boneless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins all work great.
- Tip 2: If you are worried about the heat, use mild salsa. You can also kick it up with spicy salsa or fresh jalapeños.
- Tip 3: Yes! You can freeze the chicken taco meat. Cool it to room temperature and store in freezer bags for up to 4 months.
- Tip 4: Store leftover chicken taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator; leftovers are great in chicken enchiladas or on nachos.
- Tip 5: Here is our recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
