If you’re anything like me, some days you just want a delicious meal without the fuss, right? That’s where these easy and flavorful chicken tacos made in a crockpot come in. Trust me, there’s something magical about tossing a few ingredients into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic while you go about your day. I remember the first time I made these chicken tacos; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! The best part? You’ll have tender, juicy chicken that literally falls apart, just waiting to be stuffed into warm taco shells. Perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or whenever you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your crockpot, and let’s dive into this tasty recipe! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is super important for making these chicken tacos in a crockpot. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken breast (uncooked)
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind works best!)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (feel free to adjust to your taste)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, whichever you have on hand)
- 1 cup black beans (canned or cooked, rinsed and drained)
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft, it’s totally up to you!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend is fantastic)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for that creamy finish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (adds a fresh touch)
That’s it! Just these simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—substitutions are totally welcome!
How to Prepare Chicken Tacos Crockpot
Making these chicken tacos in your crockpot couldn’t be easier! Let’s walk through the steps together, so you’ll know exactly how to create a delicious meal with minimal effort. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, place your 2 lbs of uncooked chicken breast right at the bottom of your crockpot. This is the foundation of your tacos, so make sure they’re nice and flat!
- Next, pour in 1 cup of your favorite salsa. This adds a burst of flavor and moisture that makes the chicken juicy. Trust me, you’ll want to choose a salsa that you love!
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over the chicken and salsa. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to add a bit more for extra kick!
- Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This is where the magic happens! Your kitchen will start to smell amazing, and the chicken will become tender and easy to shred.
- After 6 hours, carefully shred the chicken using two forks. It should fall apart easily. Stir it back into the juices for added flavor!
- Then, add in 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of black beans. Give everything a good stir to combine! Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low. This step is key for heating the corn and beans through.
- Finally, it’s time to serve! Spoon the mixture into your taco shells, and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. Wow, you’re in for a treat!
And there you go! You’ve just made some mouthwatering chicken tacos in your crockpot, perfect for any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—just toss everything in the crockpot and go!
- Flavors meld beautifully over time, giving you a deliciously rich taste.
- Easy cleanup, with minimal dishes to wash afterward.
- Perfect for gatherings—set it and let your guests serve themselves!
- Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken tacos turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First off, if you want that extra depth of flavor, consider marinating your chicken in salsa and taco seasoning the night before. This little step can work wonders!
Also, keep an eye on the cooking time. Every crockpot is a bit different, so if you find your chicken is shredding beautifully before the 6 hours are up, feel free to adjust! Once you shred the chicken, stir it back into the juices—it makes a world of difference in flavor.
And don’t shy away from adding more veggies! Toss in some bell peppers or onions for a colorful twist. Finally, taste before serving! A little extra seasoning can elevate your dish even further. Trust me, these little tweaks can turn a good meal into a great one!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! You can easily substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breast if you prefer a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit for that meaty texture. Feel free to mix up the beans too—pinto or kidney beans work just as well as black beans.
If you want to add a bit more nutrition, throw in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach! And for those who are dairy-free, just skip the cheese and sour cream, or use a plant-based alternative. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so get creative!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one chicken taco made with this recipe:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your meal with peace of mind knowing it’s both delicious and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, just make sure to cook them on low for about 7-8 hours instead of 6 hours. It’s a great time-saver if that’s what you’ve got!
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Trust me, it’ll work out just fine and give your chicken tacos that extra kick!
Can I make these chicken tacos crockpot ahead of time?
You sure can! Just prepare everything and cook it earlier in the day. Once it’s done, let it cool, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat it before filling your taco shells!
What toppings work best with these tacos?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love adding fresh avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for some heat. You could also try pickled onions or a squeeze of lime juice for that zesty finish. Get creative!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your crockpot is big enough. If you need to, you can always divide the ingredients between two crockpots. Your guests will thank you for the delicious chicken tacos!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover chicken tacos is a breeze! Simply transfer any uneaten taco filling to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you want to keep it really simple, you can reheat the filling in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Just remember to warm those taco shells separately so they’re nice and crispy! Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Print
Chicken Tacos Crockpot: 7 Minutes to Flavorful Bliss
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy and flavorful chicken tacos made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in the crockpot.
- Add salsa and taco seasoning.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Add corn and black beans, stir well.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve in taco shells with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken thighs if preferred.
- Add more vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken tacos, crockpot tacos, slow cooker chicken tacos
