Save Pin Tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked in a slow cooker and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings—perfect for an easy and satisfying family meal.
I first served this at a family gathering and everyone loved the simplicity and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Sauce & Seasonings: 1 cup (240 ml) tomato salsa (mild or medium as preferred), 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Tacos: 12 small corn or flour tortillas warmed
- Optional Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar Monterey Jack or Mexican blend), ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1 avocado sliced, ½ cup (80 g) diced tomatoes, ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro, Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl mix together the salsa chili powder cumin smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper.
- Step 3:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Step 4:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Step 5:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks Return the shredded chicken to the cooker stirring to combine with the sauce.
- Step 6:
- Warm the tortillas Fill each with a generous portion of shredded chicken and your choice of toppings.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Save Pin Making these tacos has become a special family tradition on busy weeknights.
Required Tools
Slow cooker Mixing bowl Forks (for shredding) Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (if using cheese or sour cream) Wheat (if using flour tortillas) For gluten-free use corn tortillas and double-check labels on all packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving without toppings Calories 210 Total Fat 5 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 25 g
Save Pin
This recipe simplifies dinner while delivering bold flavors sure to please everyone at the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the chicken cook in the slow cooker?
Cook the chicken on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours to achieve tender, easily shredded meat.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and tend to stay more moist during slow cooking.
- → What type of tortillas is best for serving?
Small corn or flour tortillas warmed just before serving provide a soft, pliable base for the filling.
- → How can I add more heat to the dish?
Use hot salsa or add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra spicy kick.
- → Are there good alternatives for sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter, tangy substitute while maintaining creamy texture.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
A slow cooker, mixing bowl, forks for shredding, and a knife with a cutting board are essential.