Easy Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
A simple and flavorful slow cooker chicken taco recipe that delivers tender, juicy meat perfect for weeknight meals and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ½ cup salsa
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Soft corn or flour tortillas
- Diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, or favorite toppings
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Pat chicken dry and rub the spice mix evenly over all pieces.
- Place chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Nestle the seasoned chicken on top.
- Pour in chicken broth and tomato paste (or salsa). Squeeze lime juice over everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and stir to coat in juices. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble tacos by spooning chicken onto tortillas and adding desired toppings.
Notes
If sauce is watery, remove chicken when shredding and cook liquid on high with lid off for 10-15 minutes to thicken before mixing back in. Avoid overcooking to keep chicken tender. Warm tortillas before serving for best texture. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Adjust cayenne or add hot sauce for more heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco with chicken
- Calories: 280320
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 400600
- Fat: 610
- Saturated Fat: 1.53
- Carbohydrates: 1520
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, tender chicken, weeknight meals, slow cooker recipes, Mexican tacos, shredded chicken