Crock Pot Taco Chicken

This Crock Pot Taco Chicken recipe is all you need for an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor. With just three simple ingredients and your crockpot, you can make a meal that the whole family will love.

Slow Cooker recipes like this shredded taco chicken are perfect for meal planning because the cooked meat can be used in multiple dishes. Simply combine the three ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. That’s all there is to it! No need for chopping, stirring, or watching the pot.

 This Crock Pot Taco Chicken recipe came to in my email from a penny-pincher-type website years ago and hands down, it is the best crockpot recipe for busy families.  Toss the three ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and at dinner time it’s ready.  I love minimal-ingredient recipes like this and my slow cooker Italian chicken. Even our slow cooker BBQ beef sandwiches have only 5 ingredients making it easy, too.

Crock Pot Taco Chicken

I can’t believe this recipe has become such a staple in our menus. I use store-bought salsa but for the seasoning, my homemade taco seasoning mix can’t be beat for this recipe.

Crock pot chicken tacos are asked for often and my oldest daughter used to request it when she was home from college. She would ask me to freeze servings for her to take back with her, too. It’s such an easy recipe and because you can freeze it, it can be used for a few different meals. We like to serve it over rice, topped with shredded cheese, and favorite taco toppings.

Other delicious ways that we enjoy the taco chicken is to serve in flour tortilla shells or hard taco shells.  I’ve used the meat in enchiladas, and burrito bowls, and even turned the filling into nachos.  Simplest recipe to make with the simplest ingredients.

Timesaving Tips and Variations

Being a slow cooker meal with just a few ingredients is already a timesaver but here a few tips to keep in mind.

• Substitute skinless, boneless chicken thighs for the breasts.
• Perfect for meal prepping. Make a double batch and serve some for dinner, then save the rest for later.
• I prefer to make homemade seasonings so I use my homemade taco seasoning, but a store-brand package is great, too. I’ve seen low-sodium ones, now too.
• Want the tacos to be spicier? Use a hot or spicy salsa.
• Picante sauce can also be used.
• The shredded taco meat is great to use in a salad.
• When freezing this meal: be sure to include all the extra liquid so it doesn’t dry out.  Sometimes, I even add a bit of extra salsa when freezing.

Easy tips like these make the meal even better. Hard to believe something so easy can be so good!

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Why is my Chicken Tough after being in the Crockpot all day?

Overcooking chicken in a slow cooker is more common than you think. High temperatures and extended cooking times can dry out the meat, making it less tender. Check for doneness early, especially if you’re new to slow cooking. Cook times can vary. Adjust cooking time if your slow cooker runs hot. This is usually done for me in about 5 hours using this crock pot on LOW.

Why is my Chicken Mushy?

When chicken is cooked for too long in a slow cooker, not only can it be dry but it can also get mushy. This is caused by the natural proteins breaking down, leading to a mushy texture.

Pro tip: For picky eaters who don’t like chunky salsas, blend the salsa and seasonings together for a smooth and flavorful sauce.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Taco Chicken

There are so many delicious sides to serve with this besides the classic chips and salsa or guacamole. Here are some of our favorites.

• Mexican Street Corn
• Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
• Taco Charcuterie Board (replace the beef with the shredded chicken)
• Katie’s Cornbread Casserole
• Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Of course, this pulled chicken for tacos is delicious with just about any side you choose.

Recommended Equipment for Crockpot Chicken Tacos

To make this recipe, you need minimal tools, which makes clean up a breeze.

• Crock Pot brand 6 Quart slow cooker
• Slow Cooker Liners (makes clean up even easier)
• Fork or whisk

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Ingredients

In case you missed it, you only need 3 ingredients all of which can be found in your grocery stores.

• skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought packet)
• jar of salsa

How to Make Crock Pot Taco Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker. In a bowl, add the taco mix and the salsa, and combine. Pour over the poultry and cover the slow cooker. Set it to LOW and cook for 4 hours.

At this point, you should be able to shred the meat easily, if not cook for another 30 minutes. When it is ready to shred, I use two forks to break it all apart. Mix with the sauce and let cook for one more hour before serving.

Serve this delicious dish over rice, quinoa, or your favorite tortilla. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, or your favorite toppings.

Craving a flavor explosion? This recipe is your ticket to a taste sensation! So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and let the flavor fiesta begin!

Enjoy!