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Crockpot Taco Chicken

🌮 Crockpot Taco Chicken

This Crockpot Taco Chicken is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers bold, zesty flavor with minimal effort. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and return hours later to tender, shredded chicken that’s perfect for your favorite Mexican-style meals.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Dish, Meal Prep, Dinner
Cuisine Mexican-inspired / American
Servings 8
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker / Crockpot
  • Forks or mixer for shredding
  • Knife and cutting board (if serving with toppings)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 –2½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade – see below
  • 1 cup salsa mild, medium, or hot
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños
  • Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning:
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Add Ingredients

  • Place chicken in the Crockpot. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and pour salsa and broth over the top.

Cook

  • Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.

Shred Chicken

  • Remove chicken, shred with two forks (or in a stand mixer), then return to the Crockpot and stir to coat in juices. Add lime juice if using.

Serve

  • Serve warm with tortillas, rice, lettuce wraps, or over nachos. Top as desired.

Notes

💡 Tips for Success
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat
Add 1 can of black beans or corn for extra bulk
Stir in cream cheese at the end for a creamy version
Keyword crockpot taco chicken, slow cooker taco chicken, shredded taco chicken, chicken for tacos, meal prep chicken, easy taco night recipe