Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Background and History

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos offer a convenient and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. While the exact origins of this dish are unclear, tacos themselves have a rich history dating back centuries to indigenous Mesoamerican cultures, and they have evolved over time to become a beloved staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix

1 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)

1/4 cup chicken broth or water

8-10 small tortillas

Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Useful Facts

Slow cooking the chicken allows it to become tender and juicy, absorbing the flavors of the taco seasoning and salsa.

This dish is highly customizable; you can adjust the level of spice by choosing mild or hot salsa and tailor the toppings to suit your preferences.

Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker insert.

Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.

Pour the salsa and chicken broth (or water) over the chicken.

Gently toss the chicken to coat it in the seasoning and salsa.

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the slow cooker.

Warm the tortillas according to package instructions.

Spoon the shredded chicken onto the warmed tortillas and add your desired toppings.

Serve the slow cooker chicken tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Serves

4-6

Preparation Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

Nutrition Facts (per serving, excluding toppings)

Calories: 250

Total Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 80mg

Sodium: 750mg

Total Carbohydrates: 10g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 2g

Protein: 40g

Notes

Feel free to customize the taco seasoning mix by adding additional spices such as cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder.

You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result.

For a complete meal, serve the tacos with rice, beans, or a side salad.

Allergy Warning

This recipe may contain allergens depending on the ingredients used, such as wheat in the tortillas and potential allergens in the taco seasoning mix and salsa. Always check for specific allergies before consuming.