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This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe is quick to make and convenient to use in not just tacos, but burritos, enchiladas, tamales, taco salads and more.
We have many easy slow cooker meals to try, including Hawaiian Meatballs and Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala.
Why I love Crockpot Chicken Tacos:
- Quick and Convenient: you can throw together slow cooker tacos in just a few minutes and let the slow cooker do the work. Or if you're short on time, could make them in the instant pot.
- Versatile – it's great for more than just tacos! We use this mexican shredded chicken as a base for chicken chimichangas, taco salad, or any of your favorite burritos, tostadas, or enchiladas.
- Healthy – Packed with protein and cooked in light and flavorful sauce. Check out all my high protein recipes!
How to make Crockpot Chicken Tacos:
Layer Ingredients: Arrange chicken breasts in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients together: chicken broth, Italian dressing, lime juice and spices then pour over the chicken.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Shred chicken then cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow it to absorb some of the sauce and juices.
Serve crockpot shredded chicken tacos in corn or flour tortillas, with desired toppings shredded lettuce or cabbage, cheese, and pico de gallo.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: The slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator and heat before using.
To Freeze: Freeze shredded slow cooker chicken recipe in an airtight freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, , or thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, (or use salsa)
- 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing, (or use salsa)
- 3 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon EACH garlic powder, paprika, cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional, for Serving:
- 8 corn tortillas, , or 4 flour tortillas
- Desired toppings: shredded lettuce or cabbage, shredded cheese, Salsa or hot sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole, onion, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Add chicken to slow cooker.
- Whisk remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 3-4 hours (or 4-5 hours for chicken thighs).
- Shred chicken. Cook for 30 more minutes.
- Serve in flour or corn tortillas, with desired toppings. Or, use shredded taco chicken for enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas, burritos, taco salads etc.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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*I originally shared this recipe July 2015. Updated April 2020 and March 2024..
This recipe is a keeper. Simple to make and tastes great. Will definitely make this many more times.
Made this meal and loved it! Will definitely make this again!
Made this last night for dinner. Super easy to put together – a great dump and go recipe. I was a bit hesitant at first in using Italian dressing, but was pleasantly surprised how well everything tasted.
These were so good and super easy! Made a double batch to last for weekly lunches!
Oh my goodness! This recipe is first of all so very easy and most importantly delicious! Both my husband and I really loved this recipe. Thanks for another delicious challenge!
Love this recipe – it’s one I’ve added to our regular meal rotation and we eat it quite often. Simple and tasty!
Love this easy slow cooker Chicken Taco recipe! Just happened to have made it last night. I like to shred it a little early so all the flavors can seep into the chicken. Definitely a family favorite. 🌮
I have made this recipe countless times and it’s perfect. In fact, I have referred back to the recipe just for the slow cooker chicken portion for other recipes.
What a great recipe, easy to make. I read the comments as I too was scared to use the italian dressing but it was great. I did put in some chopped vegetables and it also made it great. I will be making this recipe again.
Personally, I love my instant pot and the chicken taco recipe is delicious. A great alternative to the beef tacos you are served at your local ‘Taco Tues’ restaurants in our area. The flavor and texture of the chicken takes your burritos/taco’s to a new level. We look forward to our new ‘Taco Tues’ meal at home now. Thank you for sharing ! 🙂