Description
This easy crockpot chicken taco recipe delivers juicy, flavorful shredded chicken using just four main ingredients. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights or beginner cooks looking for a fuss-free dinner that works for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the Chicken and Seasoning: Lay the chicken breasts or thighs flat in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the top to fully coat the chicken.
- Add Tomatoes and Lime: Pour the drained Rotel over the chicken, spreading it out evenly. Squeeze the juice of one fresh lime directly over the top to brighten and balance the flavors.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 7–8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and can be shredded easily with a fork. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and pulls apart without resistance.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove most of the liquid, leaving about ½ cup in the slow cooker to keep the chicken moist. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the remaining juices.
- Serve Warm: Heat your favorite tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Load them with shredded chicken and top with your favorite additions like cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh salsa.
Notes
- To spice it up, add jalapeños or use a hot salsa instead of Rotel. This chicken also works great for burrito bowls, quesadillas, or nachos. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating with a splash of broth or salsa for moisture. If you’re using frozen chicken, be sure to cook it on low only, not high.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours on high or 7–8 hours on low
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American-Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup cooked chicken
- Calories: 224 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 777 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg