These easy crockpot chicken tacos are made with tender, juicy shredded chicken slowly cooked with salsa, taco seasoning, and simple ingredients. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this an easy and flavorful dinner for busy weeknights.
Once the chicken is cooked, simply shred it and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, Taco Tuesday, meal prep, parties, and casual gatherings.
The flavorful shredded chicken can also be used in burritos, quesadillas, taco bowls, salads, and nachos.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- Easy slow cooker recipe
- Minimal preparation
- Tender and juicy shredded chicken
- Packed with Mexican-inspired flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly
- Great for Taco Tuesday
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for meal prep
- Delicious leftovers
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning, about 1 ounce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, optional
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
Ingredient Notes
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe because they become tender and easy to shred.
You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Salsa
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa.
Mild, medium, or spicy salsa can be used depending on your preferred spice level.
Taco Seasoning
A packet of taco seasoning makes this recipe quick and easy.
You can also use homemade taco seasoning.
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice adds a bright and fresh flavor to the chicken.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos
1. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a large slow cooker.
2. Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the taco seasoning, ground cumin, and optional chili powder over the chicken.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the:
- Salsa
- Chicken broth
- Lime juice
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
Pour the ingredients evenly over the chicken.
4. Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on:
- LOW for 5–6 hours
or
- HIGH for 3–4 hours
The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
5. Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker.
Place it on a cutting board or large plate.
Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
6. Mix with the Sauce
Stir the shredded chicken into the flavorful cooking sauce.
Allow it to sit in the sauce for a few minutes so it absorbs the flavor.
7. Add Fresh Cilantro
Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Warm the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas using your preferred method.
You can warm them:
- In a dry skillet
- In the microwave
- In the oven
9. Assemble the Tacos
Fill each warm tortilla with the shredded crockpot chicken.
Add your favorite toppings.
10. Serve
Serve immediately with lime wedges and extra toppings.
Best Taco Toppings
Customize your crockpot chicken tacos with:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Sliced avocado
- Salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Jalapeño slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Slow cook until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Check the chicken near the end of the recommended cooking time.
Use Your Favorite Salsa
The salsa adds a lot of flavor to the chicken.
Choose a salsa that matches your preferred spice level.
Shred the Chicken Well
Shredding the chicken into smaller pieces helps it absorb more of the flavorful sauce.
Let the Chicken Sit in the Sauce
After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the cooking liquid.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Warm the Tortillas
Warm tortillas are softer and easier to fold.
They also make the tacos taste fresher.
Crockpot Chicken Taco Variations
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Add 4 ounces softened cream cheese during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Use hot salsa and add:
- Extra chili powder
- Jalapeños
- Hot sauce
Crockpot Chicken Taco Bowls
Serve the shredded chicken over:
- Rice
- Lettuce
- Black beans
- Corn
Add your favorite toppings.
Chicken Burritos
Use the shredded chicken as a filling for burritos with:
- Rice
- Beans
- Cheese
- Salsa
Chicken Quesadillas
Add the chicken and shredded cheese between tortillas.
Cook in a skillet until golden and melted.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Taco Meat
Allow the chicken to cool completely.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the chicken separate from the tortillas and toppings for the best freshness.
Can You Freeze Crockpot Chicken Taco Meat?
Yes.
Allow the shredded chicken to cool completely.
Place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag with some of the cooking sauce.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Tacos
These tacos pair well with:
- Mexican rice
- Black beans
- Refried beans
- Corn salad
- Tortilla chips
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Mexican street corn
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and often stay especially juicy during slow cooking.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
For food safety and more even cooking, it is best to thaw chicken before placing it in the slow cooker.
Can I Use Homemade Taco Seasoning?
Yes.
Homemade taco seasoning works perfectly in this recipe.
How Do I Keep the Chicken from Drying Out?
Cooking the chicken with salsa and chicken broth helps keep it moist.
Avoid cooking longer than necessary.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes.
Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time.
Store it with some of the cooking sauce and reheat before serving.
Recipe Card
Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10 tacos
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning, about 1 ounce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, optional
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder over the chicken.
- Add salsa, chicken broth, lime juice, onion, and garlic.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir the chicken into the cooking sauce.
- Stir in fresh cilantro.
- Warm the tortillas.
- Fill the tortillas with shredded chicken and your favorite toppings.
- Serve immediately.
Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.