5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe

Welcome to a hassle-free dinner solution with these mouthwatering Crockpot Chicken Tacos Easy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By the time hunger strikes, you’ll be greeted with tender, flavorful chicken that’s ready to be wrapped in warm tortillas.

These Crockpot Chicken Tacos have earned a permanent spot on my family’s dinner rotation, thanks to their crowd-pleasing appeal. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty salsa, and aromatic spices creates a fiesta of flavors in every bite. Plus, the ease of preparation and the option to customize toppings make them a surefire way to satisfy everyone at the table without breaking a sweat.

For a delightful twist, don’t forget to top your tacos with creamy mashed avocado, a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. These additions elevate the dish to a whole new level of freshness and taste. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend meal, these Crockpot Chicken Tacos Easy are here to make your dinnertime not only stress-free but also incredibly delicious.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient: Easy weeknight dinner option with minimal effort required, thanks to the slow cooker doing the work.
• Versatile: Can be customized with different protein options (like chicken thighs, jackfruit, or mushrooms) and spice levels to suit preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by all ages, including picky eaters, and can be easily turned into a fun taco bar for everyone to build their own.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers can be stored for up to four days in the fridge or frozen for up to two months, offering a quick and delicious meal option later.

Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family Favorite: This recipe is tried and tested, loved by adults and kids alike, making it a reliable go-to meal.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level with different salsa varieties or additional chili powder to suit your preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: The chicken can be stored and reheated easily, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
• Versatile Ingredients: Chicken thighs can be used for juicier meat, and you can get creative with vegetarian options like jackfruit or mushrooms.
• Mexican Flavor Profile: Offers classic taco flavors with a modern twist, adding a touch of comfort and nostalgia to your meal.
• Meal Variety: Enjoy the tacos as a main course or use the chicken for quesadillas, taco salads, or alongside Mexican rice for a complete meal.
• Family Taco Night: Create a fun taco bar with various toppings for a personalized dining experience that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe

Main Components

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 900 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 450 g chunky salsa
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 12 Mission Carb Balance tortillas
• 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika

Toppings

• 4 tablespoons sour cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, sliced
• 2 avocados, mashed

Pro Tips for 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe

For these Crockpot Chicken Tacos, using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts can enhance the juiciness and flavor of the dish. The thighs are a great alternative for those looking for a slightly different texture.

Opt for chunky salsa as it not only adds flavor but also provides a nice texture to the slow-cooked chicken mixture. This type of salsa will contribute to the overall richness of the tacos.

To elevate the flavor and texture of your tacos, consider lightly toasting the tortillas before filling them. This step helps keep the tortillas sturdy and enhances their flavor, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe

Step 1: Combine core ingredients

Combine chicken breasts, onion, garlic, salsa, lime juice, paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, sea salt, and black pepper in a crockpot. Mix well to coat chicken evenly with spices and salsa.

Step 2: Slow cook chicken mixture

Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours until chicken is tender and flavors have developed.

Step 3: Shred and simmer

Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken in the crockpot. Stir well and cook uncovered or with lid slightly ajar for 1 hour to reduce moisture.

Step 4: Toast tortillas

Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Toast tortillas for 20–30 seconds on each side until warmed and lightly browned. Add a small amount of oil if necessary.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

Stuff each tortilla with shredded chicken mixture, top with mashed avocado, sour cream, lime slices, and chopped cilantro. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your delicious crockpot chicken tacos, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, you can gently heat the chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal. If you have extra chicken that you won’t be consuming within a few days, it can be frozen in single portions for up to two months. Simply thaw the pulled chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For the best dining experience, it’s recommended to store the tortillas and toppings separately until you are ready to serve. This helps to keep everything fresh and vibrant, ensuring that your tacos taste just as delicious as when they were first made. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy the convenience and flavors of your crockpot chicken tacos even after the initial serving, whether you’re having a quick meal during the week or saving some for a later date.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have boneless skinless chicken breasts available, chicken thighs are a great substitute that can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. They work well in slow-cooked recipes like this one.

In place of chunky salsa, you can use diced tomatoes or even a can of Rotel for a different flavor profile. This swap will still provide the needed liquid and acidity to the chicken mixture while adding a bit of a kick.

If you prefer a different type of tortilla, corn tortillas can be a good alternative to Mission Carb Balance tortillas. The earthy chew of corn tortillas complements the flavors of the chicken mixture nicely. Simply warm them up before filling to enhance their taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving idea with these Crockpot Chicken Tacos, consider setting up a DIY taco bar for a fun and interactive meal. Arrange bowls of toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbly cheese, jalapeños, mashed avocado, sour cream, lime slices, and fresh cilantro. Let your family or guests build their own tacos with their favorite combinations of toppings for a personalized dining experience.

Another creative suggestion is to repurpose any leftover chicken mixture into delicious quesadillas. Simply place a tortilla in a hot skillet, add a layer of the chicken mixture, top with shredded cheese, and another tortilla. Cook until crispy and golden brown on both sides. Cut into wedges and serve with extra salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a tasty twist on traditional tacos.

FAQs for 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.

Why is chunky salsa recommended for this recipe?

Chunky salsa is ideal, as it adds both flavor and texture to the slow-cooked chicken mixture.

Is it recommended to toast the tortillas before filling for this recipe?

Lightly toasting tortillas before filling helps keep them sturdy and flavorful.

Can I make the chicken mixture in advance?

Absolutely! The chicken mixture can be made in advance and reheated before serving with fresh toppings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Crockpot Chicken Tacos Easy are a true winner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The convenience of the slow cooker combined with the vibrant flavors and endless topping possibilities make this recipe a family favorite that you’ll keep coming back to. Remember to customize it to your liking, whether that means using chicken thighs for extra juiciness, adding more heat with spicy salsa, or loading up on your favorite toppings.

Don’t forget to prep some extra batches for future meals – the leftovers are just as delicious and versatile. Whether you’re making quesadillas, taco salads, or simply reheating for another round of tacos, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds time and time again. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of these Crockpot Chicken Tacos Easy, and watch them become a regular star on your dinner table. Happy cooking!

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe

“Effortless, flavorful Crockpot Chicken Tacos made with tender chicken, zesty salsa, and fresh toppings for a hands-off family favorite dinner.”

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Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time360 Minutes

Total Time375 Minutes

CuisineMexican-inspired

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (12 filled tortillas)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 900 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 450 g chunky salsa
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 12 Mission Carb Balance tortillas
• 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika

Toppings

• 4 tablespoons sour cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, sliced
• 2 avocados, mashed

Instructions

1. Combine core ingredients: Combine chicken breasts, onion, garlic, salsa, lime juice, paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, sea salt, and black pepper in a crockpot. Mix well to coat chicken evenly with spices and salsa.
2. Slow cook chicken mixture: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours until chicken is tender and flavors have developed.
3. Shred and simmer: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken in the crockpot. Stir well and cook uncovered or with lid slightly ajar for 1 hour to reduce moisture.
4. Toast tortillas: Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Toast tortillas for 20–30 seconds on each side until warmed and lightly browned. Add a small amount of oil if necessary.
5. Assemble and serve: Stuff each tortilla with shredded chicken mixture, top with mashed avocado, sour cream, lime slices, and chopped cilantro. Serve promptly.