If you love the cozy comfort of crockpot recipes that make your home smell amazing and dinner practically cook itself, you’re going to fall in love with these Crockpot Chicken Tacos.
Juicy, tender shredded chicken slow-cooked in bold Mexican-inspired spices — it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone rush to the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a game day party, or taco Tuesday, this is one of those set-it-and-forget-it crockpot recipes that guarantees smiles (and seconds!).
The best part? It’s incredibly easy — no fancy steps, no babysitting the stove, and minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile: stuff it in tortillas, pile it over rice, or load it into burrito bowls.
Let’s dive into this mouthwatering slow cooker chicken taco recipe that’ll become your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- Effortless: 5 minutes of prep — the slow cooker does the rest.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love taco night.
- Meal Prep Heaven: Perfect for leftovers, burritos, or salads.
- Healthy and Customizable: Control the salt, skip the store-bought sauces, and pack in your favorite toppings.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into these flavorful tacos:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup salsa (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade mix — see below)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
- Warm tortillas (corn or flour)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
The Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Equipment
- slow cooker
- measuring spoons
- mixing spoon
- cutting board
- knife
- tongs or forks for shredding chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1/4 medium white onion, diced
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and season with the garlic powder, ancho chili powder, chili powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, and oregano.
- Add the diced onion and can of diced tomatoes on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks in the slow cooker and stir together with all the juices.
- Serve in warmed corn or flour tortillas tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Notes
Homemade Taco Seasoning (optional but recommended)
If you prefer to skip prepackaged mixes, here’s an easy homemade taco blend:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix and store in a jar for up to 6 months. You’ll never go back to store-bought!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Spray the slow cooker insert lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Add salsa, taco seasoning, chicken broth, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the chicken.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir the shredded chicken into the flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Warm up your tortillas, spoon in the shredded chicken, and pile on your favorite toppings. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice for that bright, zesty finish.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use chicken thighs if you like richer flavor and juicier meat.
- Don’t overcook — every slow cooker runs differently; check at the minimum time.
- Add veggies like diced onions, bell peppers, or corn for more texture.
- Make it creamy — stir in a bit of cream cheese at the end for creamy chicken tacos.
- Use leftovers creatively:
- Taco salads
- Burrito bowls
- Quesadillas
- Nachos
- Enchiladas
Crockpot Chicken Taco Variations
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tacos
Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce and a ranch seasoning packet for a spicy twist.
Pineapple Chicken Tacos
Add ½ cup pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory flavor explosion.
Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Double up on garlic and add extra lime zest for a citrusy kick.
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Mix in a tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce for smoky, bold heat.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Cool completely, then store shredded chicken with sauce in freezer bags (flattened) for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a saucepan or microwave until hot.
Serving Ideas
Serve these tacos with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Fresh corn salad
- Chips and salsa
- A refreshing margarita or sparkling limeade
FAQs About Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by about an hour and ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F / 74°C).
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Pressure cook for 15 minutes (with ½ cup liquid), then natural release for 10 minutes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely — thighs are more flavorful and stay tender even if cooked a bit longer.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure not to overfill your crockpot. Cooking time may increase slightly.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approximate values (without toppings):
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 10g
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a crockpot recipe that’s foolproof, flavorful, and makes taco night even easier, these Crockpot Chicken Tacos are it.
It’s comfort food meets convenience — the kind of meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting taco night, this dish never disappoints.
So grab your slow cooker, toss in a few ingredients, and let the magic happen. Dinner’s ready, and it’s absolutely delicious.