Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Featured in: Everyday Suppers

Slow-cooked shredded chicken infused with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a tender, flavorful filling. Simmered gently in salsa, the chicken absorbs rich, smoky notes while remaining juicy. Warm tortillas provide the perfect base, complemented by fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, and avocado. This method requires minimal prep and slow cooking, resulting in a satisfying and easy meal ideal for family gatherings or casual evenings.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:22:00 GMT
Slow cooker shredded chicken tacos, brimming with flavorful meat and fresh toppings, ready to enjoy. Save Pin
Slow cooker shredded chicken tacos, brimming with flavorful meat and fresh toppings, ready to enjoy. | vectoroven.com

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

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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.
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Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.
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Product image
Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Delectable slow cooker shredded chicken tacos, showcasing succulent chicken, perfect for a family dinner. Save Pin
Delectable slow cooker shredded chicken tacos, showcasing succulent chicken, perfect for a family dinner. | vectoroven.com

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

A close-up of slow cooker shredded chicken tacos, showcasing a delightful Tex-Mex feast. Save Pin
A close-up of slow cooker shredded chicken tacos, showcasing a delightful Tex-Mex feast. | vectoroven.com
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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.

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Flavorful shredded chicken cooked slowly with spices and served in warm tortillas.

Time to prepare
10 minutes
Time to cook
360 minutes
Overall Time
370 minutes
Created by Lucas Jenkins


Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Makes 6 Portions

Special Diets None specified

What You Need

Chicken

01 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce & Seasonings

01 1 cup tomato salsa (mild or medium)
02 1 tablespoon chili powder
03 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 ½ teaspoon salt
08 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Tacos

01 12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed

Optional Toppings

01 1 cup shredded lettuce
02 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
03 ½ cup sour cream
04 1 avocado, sliced
05 ½ cup diced tomatoes
06 ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
07 Lime wedges for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Arrange chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs at the base of the slow cooker.

Step 02

Prepare seasoning sauce: Combine salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Step 03

Coat chicken with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring thorough coverage.

Step 04

Slow cook chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Step 05

Shred chicken: Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks; return shredded meat to cooker and stir to incorporate with remaining sauce.

Step 06

Warm tortillas and assemble: Heat tortillas, then fill each with a generous portion of shredded chicken and desired toppings.

Step 07

Serve: Serve tacos immediately accompanied by lime wedges.

What You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Forks for shredding
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Review every component for allergens. See a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk if cheese or sour cream is used
  • Contains wheat if flour tortillas are used

Nutrition details (each serving)

Only for informational use—this isn't a substitute for a doctor's advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fat Content: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 25 grams