There's something absolutely magical about the aroma of perfectly seasoned Chicken Tacos simmering away - that blend of cumin, chili powder, and tender chicken that fills your kitchen with pure comfort. My kids discovered these on a hectic Wednesday night two years ago when I threw everything into the crockpot, and now they literally chant "taco night!" every time I pull out the slow cooker.
These aren't just any chicken tacos recipe; they're fall-apart tender, packed with flavor, and so versatile you can serve them as elegant chicken street tacos or pile them high for a casual family Dinner. Trust me, once you master this foolproof method, you'll understand why this has become our go-to solution for busy weeknights and weekend gatherings alike.
Why You'll Love These Chicken Tacos
These Chicken Tacos crockpot style are pure weeknight magic wrapped in warm tortillas. What makes this shredded chicken tacos recipe so incredible is how it transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality results with virtually zero effort. My sister calls them "the tacos that save dinner," and she's absolutely right! The slow cooking process creates the most tender, flavorful chicken that shreds beautifully and absorbs every bit of that amazing seasoning blend.
Plus, they're one of those crock pot chicken tacos recipes that work perfectly for meal prep, taco bars, or even baked chicken tacos when you want to switch things up. These crockpot tacos recipes have honestly revolutionized how we approach family dinners - maximum flavor with minimal stress.
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What You'll Need
These ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors and that tender, juicy texture that makes these chicken taco crockpot recipes easy and absolutely delicious!
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredients and step-by-step directions.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Extras
You can add jalapeños for heat, black beans for heartiness, or corn for extra sweetness and texture.
How to Make Chicken Tacos
Prep Your Crockpot Base
Add chicken breasts, diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to your slow cooker. This creates the flavor foundation for your shredded tacos crockpot.
Season and Add Liquids
Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken, then add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. The liquid helps create that perfect tender texture.
Set and Forget Cooking
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken shreds easily with a fork. This is the magic of chicken shredded crockpot cooking.
Shred to Perfection
Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return to crockpot and mix with the flavorful juices for 10 minutes.
Can I make these chicken tacos ahead of time? Absolutely! This taco bar chicken crock pot method is perfect for meal prep - the flavors actually get better after sitting overnight.
Serve Your Way
Warm tortillas and load with the shredded chicken mixture. Add your favorite toppings for customizable perfection.
Aliana's Pro Tip
The secret to the most flavorful shredded taco chicken recipes? Don't drain all the cooking liquid when you shred the chicken.
My mom taught me to return the shredded chicken to about half the cooking juices - this keeps it moist and infuses even more flavor.
Also, if you want that authentic chicken street tacos taste, finish the shredded chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes to get those crispy edges that make all the difference.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Creative Serving Ideas
These crock pot taco recipes are incredibly versatile. Serve as traditional tacos, over rice bowls, in quesadillas, or even as a topping for loaded nachos - the possibilities are endless with this chicken with taco seasoning crockpot base.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for 3 months. It's perfect for those crockpot recipes tacos that you want to batch cook for easy weeknight meals.
Perfect Taco Toppings
My family loves these with fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream. Shredded cheese, avocado, and pickled jalapeños also make these baked chicken tacos even more delicious when you want to switch up the cooking method.
FAQs About Chicken Tacos
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Add an extra hour to the cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What's the best cut of chicken to use?
Both breasts and thighs work great, but thighs stay slightly more tender and juicy.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Simmer covered for 45 minutes until chicken shreds easily.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don't overcook and keep some of the cooking liquid when shredding.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes You'll Love
If you're looking for more easy weeknight meals and Mexican flavors, these recipes pair perfectly with your taco night:
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version. You'll find this chicken tacos recipe in my crockpot recipes collection where all my family's favorite slow cooker meals live.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe:
Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add chicken, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the slow cooker to build the flavor foundation.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and pour in tomatoes and broth for moisture.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the chicken to shred it and return it to the juices for 10 minutes.
- Serve the mixture in warm tortillas with your favorite fresh toppings.
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