How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Savoring delicious slow cooker chicken tacos is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner or something special for your family, these tacos packed with juicy, tender chicken are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, chopped (optional, for heat lovers)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortillas of your choice (whole wheat, corn, etc.)
Lettuce, shredded cabbage or radish for fresh vegetables
Cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and any other toppings you prefer

Instructions:

To start making your slow cooker chicken tacos, first prepare all the ingredients. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker to add flavor and a touch of sweetness. Next, add the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top. For extra flavor, throw in the minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice into the mix. These spices will give your tacos an authentic Mexican taste.

Cover everything with a lid and cook on high heat for 5-6 hours or on low for 7-8 hours until the chicken is tender and falling apart. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs or two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can easily do this while the chicken continues to simmer in the flavorful juices.

When your chicken has shredded, you can assemble your tacos. Start by heating up tortillas according to package instructions. While they are warming, arrange fresh toppings like lettuce, cabbage, radish, cheese, and guacamole on a separate platter or small bowls for easy assembly.

Cooking Time: 5-6 hours at high heat or 7-8 hours at low heat

Number of Servings: 6 servings (4 tacos per person)

To assemble the tacos, place a tortilla in your hand. Add a generous spoonful of shredded chicken and top it with fresh vegetables and cheese. Drizzle some sour cream over the top if desired and finish by adding a dollop of guacamole for extra flavor.

Optional Variations:

Add beans: For an extra boost of protein, add a can or two of black beans to your slow cooker with the chicken. This adds fiber and a bit more volume to your tacos.
Tomatillo salsa: To make a fresh and vibrant salsa, slice up some tomatillos, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño into a separate bowl. Mix it all together and serve as a side for added freshness.
Corn tortillas: If you prefer corn tortillas over the usual flour or whole wheat tortillas, this is also an option. Corn tacos are crunchy and can be a great alternative if you're looking to vary your taco experience.

Tips for Success:

To ensure your chicken becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooking, it's important to use boneless skinless chicken breasts. They will naturally break down in the slow cooker without overcooking or becoming dry. Always cook on low heat if you are looking for a longer cooking time as this helps maintain moisture within the chicken.

Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings based on personal taste preferences. If you like your tacos with more kick, add extra chili powder; if you prefer milder flavors, keep the spice levels minimal or omit them completely.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos?

The best thing about making slow cooker chicken tacos is their convenience and versatility. They can be prepared in advance and left to simmer while you focus on other tasks or activities. This means less time spent in the kitchen, especially useful during busy weekdays when time is a premium.

Conclusion:

Slow cooker chicken tacos are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a meal that's packed with flavor and enough variety for everyone at the table. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply have an enjoyable family dinner, these tacos will be your new go-to recipe.