Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe

5 from 1 vote
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My crockpot chicken tacos recipe is fast and made with only 4 ingredients. One of the easiest dinner recipes that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Two soft chicken tacos on a plate.


 

An easy crockpot chicken recipe

When I need a dinner that I know everyone will love, I turn to my slow cooker chicken tacos recipe. It’s versatile, only 4 ingredients, and everyone is always excited to eat them.

I am all about easy recipes and this one is nice to have on hand for those busy weeknights. You can cook it all day on low or start it at lunch time and cook it on high so that it will be ready by dinner.

This has become one of my go-to recipes because it makes great leftovers that are perfect for meal prep or dinner the next night.

Try serving with a side of sweet corn cakes, refried beans, or one of these other great taco sides for a tasty taco night.

Crockpot shredded chicken taco ingredients

I tested this recipe many times with a different combination of ingredients and we all agreed that the addition of a can of Rotel really adds great flavor to the chicken. You can opt to leave it out but I recommend using it for this recipe.

  • Chicken – I like using chicken breasts for this recipe. Use about 2-3 pounds of chicken breast.
  • Taco seasoning – You can use a pack of taco seasoning or homemade seasoning.
  • Salsa – Use your favorite salsa.
  • Rotel – A can of diced tomato with chilis adds even more flavor to the chicken. You can use the original, mild, or hot.
Pack of chicken, jar of salsa, Rotel, and taco seasoning.

How to make crockpot chicken tacos

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a step-by-step video.

Step one: Place the chicken in a slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.

Chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
Chicken breasts with taco seasoning in a slow cooker.

Step two: Pour the salsa and Rotel over the chicken.

Slow cooker chicken with salsa.

Step three: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Heather’s recipe tips

  • I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe but you can substitute with chicken thighs.
  • Use two forks to shred the chicken while its in the slow cooker once it has finished cooking.
  • Each slow cooker cooks a little different. It should only take 4-5 hours on high for the chicken to completely cook. You will know it’s done when the chicken is easy to shred.

How to serve slow cooker chicken tacos

There are so many ways to use this shredded chicken. The possibilities are endless. Here are just a few options to try:

  • Hard and soft taco shells are always a winner. I stuff mine with chicken, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.
  • Quesadillas are also a great option. Lay a flour tortilla in a skillet. Top with shredded cheese, chicken, and another tortilla. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  • Nachos are an easy way to serve this chicken. Lay chips on a baking sheet and top with the shredded chicken and cheese. Broil for 4-5 minutes.
  • Burrito bowls can be made with this chicken layered on rice, beans, corn, and more.
  • Use this taco chicken in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.
Shredded Chicken

How to store leftover slow cooker taco chicken

Store: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: You can freeze any leftovers by placing the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to get any extra air out of the bag before freezing. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Slow cooker chicken taco toppings

You can dress up your chicken tacos with a number of different toppings or eat just the chicken with the tortilla like my daughter prefers. Some of my favorite toppings include:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Lettuce
  • Guacamole
  • Jalapenos
  • Cilantro
Tortilla with shredded chicken topped with cheese and lettuce.

Common questions

Can you use frozen chicken to make slow cooker chicken tacos?

I would not recommend using frozen chicken to make this recipe. When it thaws in the slow cooker it will become watery.

Why is the chicken still tough?

If your chicken does not shred easily, it still needs to cook longer. You will know it’s done when it easily falls apart.

If you are looking for more slow cooker recipes be sure to check these out:

Two chicken soft tacos on a plate.
5 from 1 vote

Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe

By Heather
This recipe for crockpot chicken tacos recipe can be made with just 4 ingredients. A simple crockpot chicken recipe that everyone will love.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker

Ingredients 

  • 3-4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 1 ounce package taco seasoning
  • 16 ounces favorite salsa
  • 1 10 ounce can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilis)

Instructions 

  • Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.
  • Pour Rotel and salsa over the chicken.
  • Cover the slow cooker. Set on high for 4 hours or low 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken with fork. 

Video

Notes

  • I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe but you could also use thighs. 
  • Use two forks to shred chicken right in the slow cooker once it has finished cooking. 

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1217mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1205IU | Vitamin C: 5.2mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
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