Save Tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked in a slow cooker and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings—perfect for an easy and satisfying family meal.
This recipe was a hit at family dinners and quickly became a weeknight favorite for its simplicity and taste
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Sauce & Seasonings: 1 cup (240 ml) tomato salsa (mild or medium, as preferred), 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Tacos: 12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Optional Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend), ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1 avocado, sliced, ½ cup (80 g) diced tomatoes, ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro, Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Place Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker, stirring to combine with the sauce.
- Prepare Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas. Fill each with a generous portion of shredded chicken and your choice of toppings.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Save Our family loves gathering around the table to customize their own tacos with different toppings and flavors
Required Tools
Slow cooker, mixing bowl, forks for shredding, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk if using cheese or sour cream, and wheat if using flour tortillas; use corn tortillas to keep it gluten-free
Nutritional Information
Per serving without toppings: 210 calories, 5 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 25 g protein
Save This easy slow cooker recipe makes weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I cook the chicken in a slow cooker?
Cook the chicken on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until tender enough to shred easily.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, both boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for this dish, providing tender results.
- → What spices enhance the flavor best?
A combination of chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder creates a rich and balanced seasoning.
- → How do I keep the chicken moist after shredding?
Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the sauce, stirring to evenly coat the meat and retain moisture.
- → What are good toppings for serving?
Try shredded lettuce, cheese blends, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for bright flavor contrast.