Slow cooker shredded chicken tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe infuses chicken breasts with flavorful spices and simmers them in a slow cooker until they are tender and juicy. Once cooked, the chicken is easily shredded and can be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or salads. With a medley of spices and a touch of lime juice, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Fiesta Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (4 oz/113g) diced green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, lime wedges
How to Make Fiesta Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, drained diced tomatoes, and diced green chilies on top of the chicken.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables and juices.
- Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro, stirring to incorporate.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Heat the corn or flour tortillas according to package instructions.
- Spoon the shredded chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
- Top with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the fiesta slow cooker shredded chicken tacos immediately, with additional toppings on the side if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Breasts:
Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein that works well for shredding in the slow cooker. They absorb flavors well and become tender and juicy after cooking. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures easy shredding and a healthier option for tacos.
Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper:
These aromatic vegetables add flavor and texture to the chicken mixture. They also contribute to the overall fiesta-inspired taste of the tacos. Onion and garlic provide a savory base, while bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch.
Diced Tomatoes, Diced Green Chilies:
Canned diced tomatoes and green chilies add a depth of flavor and a hint of heat to the chicken mixture. They also contribute moisture, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy during the slow cooking process.
Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder):
A blend of spices gives the chicken tacos their bold and zesty flavor. Chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder work together to create a well-balanced seasoning mix that complements the other ingredients.
Salt and Pepper:
These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dish, helping to bring out the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Lime Juice, Fresh Cilantro:
Adding lime juice and fresh cilantro at the end of cooking brightens the flavors of the tacos and adds a refreshing element. The lime juice adds acidity, while the cilantro adds a burst of freshness.
Tortillas:
Corn or flour tortillas serve as the base for the tacos, providing a soft and flexible wrap for the shredded chicken mixture. Warm the tortillas before serving to enhance their flavor and make them more pliable.
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges are popular toppings for chicken tacos. These toppings add creaminess, freshness, and acidity, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
Fiesta slow cooker shredded chicken tacos are a flavorful and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether served as a casual weeknight meal or as part of a festive gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the convenience of using a slow cooker to create tender and juicy shredded chicken that can be used in a variety of ways.
