Simple Crockpot Chicken Tacos: Weeknight Delight (Print Version)
Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos recipe! Get tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Your delicious, stress-free weeknight dinner solution everyone will love.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-free (if using GF seasoning/tortillas)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 cup chicken broth
→ Flavor Boosters
03 -
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
04 -
1 small onion, sliced
05 -
3 cloves garlic, smashed
06 -
1 lime, juiced
→ Serving Suggestions & Toppings
07 -
Corn or flour tortillas
08 -
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
09 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped
10 -
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
11 -
Diced avocado
12 -
Salsa or pico de gallo
13 -
Pickled red onions (optional)
→ Optional Extras
14 -
Diced jalapeño
15 -
Can of drained diced green chiles
16 -
Hot sauce
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your trusty slow cooker. I usually give it a quick spray with cooking oil, just to be safe, even though I've had a few times where I forgot and it was still okay. Place your chicken breasts right in the bottom, nice and snug. You want them in a single layer if possible, it helps them cook evenly. This is where the magic starts, honestly.
02 -
Next, sprinkle that taco seasoning generously over the chicken. Don’t be shy! Then, nestle in your sliced onion and smashed garlic around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth. I always take a moment to smell that delicious mix of spices and broth – it’s really something. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged, but don't drown it. This is where the Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe really comes alive.
03 -
Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go low and slow when I can, because that's when the chicken gets ridiculously tender. I've definitely tried to rush it on high, and while it works, the texture isn't quite as melt-in-your-mouth. Just let it do its thing!
04 -
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board. They should be falling apart, no kidding! Using two forks, shred that chicken. This is my favorite part because it just feels so satisfying. Sometimes I'm a bit impatient and shred it while it's still super hot, oops, but it works.
05 -
Drain most of the liquid from the crockpot, leaving just a little bit to keep the chicken moist. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in that fresh lime juice. This step is a game-changer for the Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe, adding a bright, zesty kick that really elevates the flavor profile.
06 -
Give it a good stir, making sure all that shredded chicken is coated in the amazing juices and seasoning. It should look incredibly tender and smell absolutely divine. Now it’s ready for your tortillas and all your favorite toppings! The aroma at this point is just incredible, signaling a delicious meal is at hand.
# Notes:
01 -
Always make sure your chicken is fully cooked; a meat thermometer is your friend here.
02 -
Leftover chicken freezes beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
03 -
Ran out of chicken broth? Vegetable broth works in a pinch, I've tried it and it's fine.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lime at the end is a non-negotiable for me, it brightens everything!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Crockpot (slow cooker)
02 -
cutting board
03 -
two forks
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 15-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 20-30g
Protein: 30-40g