Description
A simple, flavorful slow cooker chicken recipe with taco seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender, and versatile for tacos, bowls, or salads.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs can be used for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (240 ml)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, mild or spicy
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
- Juice of 1 lime (added after cooking)
- A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Open the can of diced green chilies and drain if preferred.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Stir gently to mix ingredients around the chicken but keep the breasts mostly on top.
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cook on high for 2-3 hours if short on time.
- Remove the chicken breasts and shred them finely using two forks or a hand mixer.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce. Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, stirring gently.
- Serve warm in tortillas, over rice, salad, or with your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
For best results, cook on low heat for 4-5 hours to keep chicken juicy. If sauce is too watery, remove lid and cook on high for last 20-30 minutes to reduce. Can be adapted for Instant Pot (pressure cook 15 minutes). Use chicken thighs for richer flavor. Freeze leftovers up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6th
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken, taco chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Mexican chicken, shredded chicken, taco seasoning