Ah, the timeless allure of chicken tacos, a delight that never fails to bring people together—whether it’s the middle of a hectic week or a lazy Sunday afternoon. There’s something almost magical about the way a slow cooker can transform simple chicken into a succulent, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with fresh toppings. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home, a reminder of gatherings past and a promise of delicious moments yet to come.
Steps
- Combine salsa, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning in a bowl to create a flavorful mixture.
- Place the chicken breasts and onions into the slow cooker and pour the prepared tomato mixture over them.
- Cook the chicken on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices for added flavor.
- Serve the chicken in taco shells, or use it as a topping for salads, pizzas, or bowls of rice.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts (or skinless bone-in chicken)
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- 1 can of tomatoes (optional; can be replaced with additional salsa)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- Optional: onions (if desired)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 179 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1301mg | Potassium: 736mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1235IU | Vitamin C: 13.1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1.9mg
FAQ
- Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless for Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken; just ensure it’s skinless. Once cooked, shred the chicken, and it will work perfectly in the recipe.
- What type of taco seasoning is best for this recipe?
- Homemade taco seasoning is preferred to have control over the salt content, but a store-bought packet will also work well.
- Can this shredded chicken be frozen for later use?
- Absolutely! Once the chicken is shredded, it freezes wonderfully, making it a convenient option for quick weeknight dinners.
- What are some serving suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
- These tacos pair well with corn or flour tortillas and can be served with sides like cilantro tomato rice or cilantro lime rice. Popular toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, pico de gallo, cheese, olives, guacamole, jalapenos, and cilantro.
- Can I omit the canned tomatoes in the recipe?
- Yes, you can skip the canned tomatoes and instead use 1 ½ cups of salsa if you prefer.
Tips
- For a healthier option, consider making your own taco seasoning to control the salt content. However, if you’re short on time, a store-bought packet will work just as well.
- Feel free to use skinless bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts. Just remember to remove the bones before shredding the chicken. This can add extra flavor to the dish.
- After shredding the chicken, it can be frozen for a quick and easy weeknight meal in the future. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
- Enhance your taco night by serving the chicken with a variety of toppings, like lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, and guacamole, allowing everyone to customize their tacos to their liking.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
