Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

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If you’re looking for a hands-off, mouthwatering dinner option, I have just the thing: slow cooker chicken tacos. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen because it combines minimal prep with maximum flavor.

It’s perfect for those busy days when you just want to throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to adore these slow cooker chicken tacos because they are unbelievably easy to make and pack a punch of flavor. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the spicy, savory flavors from the seasonings.

Plus, this recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your spice preferences or whatever toppings you have on hand.

Cook Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes on high or 6-8 hours 10 minutes on low

Nutritional Facts of Chicken Stir Fry

(Serving size: 2 tacos, serves 6)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 690mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 35g

What You Need (Ingredients)

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lime
• 12 small corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream, and salsa (for serving)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken breasts to coat them thoroughly.
2. Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth and lime juice over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir well to mix the meat with the cooking juices.
5. Warm the corn tortillas according to package instructions. Fill each tortilla with the shredded chicken and top with your choice of cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, sour cream, and salsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. I do it all the time! The slow cooker is designed to cook foods, including raw meats, thoroughly over an extended period of time. When using raw chicken, just ensure that it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) by the end of the cooking time.

This guarantees that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. The low and slow cooking method helps make the chicken exceptionally tender and allows it to absorb flavors well, making it ideal for dishes like stews, soups, and shredded chicken recipes. Just remember to never start the cooking process on the ‘warm’ setting, as it might not get hot enough to cook the chicken safely.

Do you put taco seasoning before or after cooking chicken?

I always prefer to add taco seasoning to the chicken before cooking it, especially when using methods like slow cooking or baking. This allows the chicken to absorb the spices and herbs, infusing it with flavor throughout the cooking process.

By seasoning the chicken beforehand, you ensure that each bite is packed with the intended flavors of the taco seasoning. Whether you’re rubbing the seasoning onto whole chicken breasts or thighs, or mixing it into chopped or shredded chicken, applying it before cooking helps the spices meld and deepen in taste as the chicken cooks.

This technique is particularly effective in slow cooker recipes, where the long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully and evenly.

Is 3 hours in slow cooker enough for chicken?

From my experience, whether 3 hours is enough time for cooking chicken in a slow cooker depends on the heat setting. If you’re cooking on the high setting, 3 hours is usually sufficient for chicken to become tender and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), particularly if you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

However, if you’re using the low setting, it typically takes longer—usually around 5 to 7 hours—to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. The size and cut of the chicken can also affect the cooking time.

For the best results, I recommend checking the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s fully cooked before serving.

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Wrap–Up

These slow cooker chicken tacos are not only a breeze to prepare but also deliciously satisfying. They’re perfect for any night of the week and are sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation. Serve them up at your next family dinner or gathering and watch them disappear! Enjoy the ease of cooking and the joy of eating these scrumptious tacos.