Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos (Printable Version)
Tender Mexican-spiced chicken, slow-cooked to perfection and ready to pile into your favorite shells with all the classic toppings.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ Seasonings & Sauces
02 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - ½ tsp salt
05 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy as desired)
07 - ¼ cup chicken broth or water
08 - Juice of 1 lime
→ To Serve
09 - 12 corn or flour taco shells
10 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
12 - ½ cup sour cream
13 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
14 - ½ cup diced red onion
15 - 1 avocado, sliced
16 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
17 - Lime wedges
# How To Make:
01 - Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Sprinkle the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
03 - Pour the salsa and chicken broth (or water) over the top. Squeeze in the juice of one lime.
04 - Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 7 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
05 - Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred thoroughly using two forks.
06 - Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to coat it in the sauce.
07 - Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
08 - Fill each shell with the shredded chicken, then add lettuce, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The chicken practically shreds itself after hours in that slow cooker magic
- Leftovers taste even better tucked into breakfast burritos the next morning
02 -
- Cheap salsa works perfectly fine so do not stress about buying the fancy stuff
- The chicken needs to rest in those juices for at least ten minutes after shredding to soak up maximum flavor
03 -
- Corn tortillas need a quick dry skillet warm up while flour ones do better wrapped in damp paper towels and microwaved
- A splash of the cooking liquid mixed into your shredded chicken right before serving keeps it from drying out