Olivia Carter
Are you tired of the same old boring chicken dishes? Look no further! This slow cooker chicken taco recipe is here to change your dinner game forever. With its mouthwatering flavors and tender, juicy chicken, it’s a dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
What makes this recipe so special is the slow cooking process. By allowing the chicken to cook low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender and infused with all the delicious spices and seasonings. The result is a flavorful and moist chicken that falls apart with every bite.
But it’s not just the chicken that steals the show. The homemade taco seasoning adds a perfect kick of flavor, while the fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and creamy avocado take this dish to the next level. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort on your part.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect slow cooker chicken tacos requires a careful selection of ingredients. Every ingredient chosen contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Here are the key components you’ll need:
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for the best results. These cuts of chicken are tender and delicious when cooked in a slow cooker.
- Taco Seasoning: Choose a high-quality taco seasoning blend that includes a mix of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will impart a robust flavor to the chicken.
- Onion: Use a yellow or white onion, finely chopped, to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves will add a rich and aromatic taste to the chicken tacos.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid ensures that the chicken doesn’t dry out while cooking and helps infuse it with savory flavors.
- Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken before cooking to add a tangy and refreshing element to the tacos.
- Tortillas: Select soft corn or flour tortillas to wrap the flavorful chicken in. Corn tortillas are traditional, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture.
- Toppings: Enhance your tacos with an array of toppings, such as salsa, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and grated cheese. These ingredients provide a burst of freshness and add depth of flavor.
Remember to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients to achieve the best results for your slow cooker chicken tacos. With these carefully selected ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Preparation
Before you start making the best slow cooker chicken taco, there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish. These steps include preparing the chicken, chopping the vegetables, and marinating the meat.
First, you’ll need to prepare the chicken by removing any excess fat and trimming it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to fit into the slow cooker and ensure even cooking. Next, season the chicken with a combination of spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. This will help infuse the chicken with a rich and savory flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, take the time to chop up the vegetables for the taco filling. Dice fresh tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces. This will add a refreshing crunch and color to the tacos.
Once all the ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the dish. Layer the seasoned chicken, chopped vegetables, and a can of diced tomatoes in the slow cooker. This will allow all the flavors to meld together as they cook low and slow.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The slow cooking process will ensure that the chicken is juicy and infused with all the delicious spices.
After the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker. This will make it easier to serve and will help incorporate the flavors throughout the dish.
Now that your slow cooker chicken taco filling is ready, all that’s left to do is assemble the tacos. Fill soft tortillas with the shredded chicken, vegetable mixture, and any additional toppings you desire, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices. Serve hot and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Instructions
When it comes to cooking chicken tacos in a slow cooker, the process is simple and convenient. Follow these instructions to make a delicious and tender meal:
1. Prepare the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken with your desired spices, such as salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. You can also add diced onions and garlic for extra flavor. Place the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure it is evenly distributed.
2. Add the liquid: To ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful, add a liquid to the slow cooker. For chicken tacos, you can use chicken broth, salsa, or a combination of both. Pour the liquid over the chicken until it is partially submerged.
3. Cook on low heat: Set the slow cooker to the low heat setting and let it cook for about 4-6 hours. Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender. Avoid opening the lid too often, as this can increase the cooking time.
4. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. The slow cooking process should have made the chicken tender and easy to shred. Mix the shredded chicken with the remaining liquid in the slow cooker to ensure it is evenly coated.
5. Serve and enjoy: Now that your slow-cooked chicken is ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Warm up some tortillas, add a generous portion of the shredded chicken, and top it with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious homemade chicken taco!
Serving Suggestions
When serving the delicious slow cooker chicken tacos, there are several ways to enhance the dish and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
- Toppings: Provide a variety of toppings for your guests to choose from, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. These toppings will add extra flavor and texture to the tacos.
- Side Dishes: Serve the slow cooker chicken tacos with some delicious side dishes. Consider preparing Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. These side dishes will complement the tacos and provide a well-rounded meal.
- Tortilla Options: You can offer different types of tortillas for your guests to choose from. Traditional flour tortillas and corn tortillas are popular choices. For a healthier alternative, you can also provide lettuce leaves for those who prefer a low-carb option.
- Beverage Pairings: Consider pairing the slow cooker chicken tacos with suitable beverages. Offer refreshing options like ice-cold water, iced tea, or carbonated drinks. For those who prefer alcoholic beverages, margaritas or Mexican beers can be excellent choices.
- Presentation: Pay attention to the presentation of the dish. Arrange the tacos neatly on a platter or serving tray and garnish with fresh herbs or lime wedges. This will make the meal visually appealing and appetizing.
By following these serving suggestions, you can elevate your slow cooker chicken tacos into a complete and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making this delicious slow cooker chicken taco recipe:
1. Spice it up
If you like your tacos to have an extra kick of spice, feel free to add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
2. Customize the toppings
While this recipe suggests serving the chicken tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream, feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try adding avocado, diced onions, cilantro, or even some homemade salsa to enhance the flavor.
3. Experiment with different seasonings
If you’re looking to switch up the flavor profile of this recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Try using a taco seasoning blend instead of the suggested combination of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other herbs and spices like oregano, paprika, or even a hint of cinnamon for a unique twist.
4. Make it a meal
While these slow cooker chicken tacos make a great standalone dish, you can also turn them into a complete meal by serving them with side dishes. Consider serving them with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
With these tips and variations, you can easily customize this slow cooker chicken taco recipe to suit your taste preferences and make it a standout dish for your next gathering or weeknight dinner.
10 Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Recipe
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
Features
| Part Number | 33195 |
| Model | 33195 |
| Warranty | One(1) Year Warranty |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 10 Quarts |
- PERFECT FOR A LARGE GATHERING: The 10 quart slow cooker lets you cook enough food for a gathering of 12 or more people and fits a 10 lb. turkey or a 12 lb. roast.
- REDUCE SPILLS: The lid clips tightly to the slow cooker handles to reduce messy spills when transporting food. Carry hot meals to family gatherings, potlucks or to serve at the table without worrying about spills.
- COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple controls that make it easy for you to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Warm when cooking is complete for food that's warm and ready when it's time to eat.
- EASY TO CARRY WITH FULL-GRIP HANDLES: The large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S), pack of 1
Features
| Part Number | B004P2NG0K1 |
| Model | CPSCVC60LL-S |
| Warranty | 1yr |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2020-09-08T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 6 Quarts |
| Language | English |
- Programmable Digital Timer: Control cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Serve a Crowd: 6 quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker serves 7 plus people
- Locking Lid: Lid gasket provides extra seal for less mess during transport
- Interactive Cooking: Safe for use in oven up to 400 degree F, and microwave
- Worry-free Travel: Secure locking lid and rubber gasket prevent spills
- Material: Contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus)
- Environmentally Friendly: Energy efficient at 240 Watts at 120V A.C; and 60Hz
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and...
Features
| Part Number | CPSCVTS70LL-S |
| Model | CPSCVTS70LL-S |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Size | 7 Quarts |
- Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it
- Leak-proof Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills
- Large Capacity: Fitted with a 7-quart bowl that serves 7+ people - perfect for families or gatherings
- Temperature Control: Auto-adjustment cooking cycle ensures meals are never overcooked but always flavor-filled
- Intuitive Control: Flat digital control screen lets you schedule meal times, and manually control cook time and temperature
- Convenient Handles: 'Cook and Carry' handles for hassle-free lifting and carrying
- Sustainable Materials: Made of Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus), and is 100% recyclable.
BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Slow Cooker, SCD4007, Chalkboard Exterior, Locking Lid, 3 Heat Settings, Removable Stoneware Crock
Features
| Part Number | SCD4007 |
| Model | SCD4007 |
| Warranty | 2 year limited warranty. |
| Color | Chalkboard Surface |
| Size | 7 Quarts |
- CHALKBOARD SURFACE - Get creative! The exterior of the slow cooker is a chalkboard, perfect for drawing on and for writing down recipes or allergy concerns. Great for getting kids involved in the kitchen!
- CHALK INCLUDED - You get two sticks of chalk with the slow cooker. Plus the surface works with any traditional chalk sticks (not recommended for use with chalk pens).
- BUILT-IN LID HOLDER - Keep countertops clean and stir & serve without holding the lid! The built-in holder props the lid conveniently on either of the side handles.
- THREE HEAT SETTINGS - Low, high, and warm settings for ideal slow cooker performance with every recipe.
- REMOVABLE STONEWARE CROCK - The durable 7-quart pot retains heat and is easy to clean.
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Cook & Carry™ Slow Cooker with Sous Vide,Programmable, Stainless Steel
Features
| Part Number | 2176658 |
| Model | 2176658 |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty. See Product Manual for Additional Details. |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Release Date | 2023-08-15T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 7 Quarts |
- Perfectly cooked meals with Sous Vide
- Precision Cooking with removable temperature probe
- Cook & Carry Locking Lid- The Cook & Carry travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills, for no mess on the go.
- Innovative design More usable cooking space for family-size meals *Compared with SCV700 Crockpot.
- Keep-Warm Setting: Keeps food at serving temperature until it's time to eat
- This product contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus), C6-19-Fatty acids, C16-18, zinc salts
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, these tips and variations can really help add variety and interest to your everyday life. Whether it’s trying out a new recipe, exploring a new hobby, or incorporating different workout routines into your fitness regime, there are countless ways to keep things fresh and fun. The key is to be open-minded and willing to step out of your comfort zone. By doing so, you’ll not only discover new things about yourself, but also find joy in the little pleasures of life. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and embrace these tips and variations – you never know what exciting experiences await you!
