This recipe for Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos creates flavorful, incredibly tender shredded chicken that works beautifully in a variety of Mexican dishes. It is at the top of my list of favorite busy day slow cooker recipes!
A good Crock-Pot recipe is as good as gold. It’s gold, I tell you!
If you have a child that is involved in sports you know what I’m talking about. A lot of our water polo games this season have been right at the dinner hour. That is why this is the time of year I pull out the slow cooker the most. When you are walking in your door at 6:30 or 7:00 at night, you need a plan. I try to include at least one slow cooker meal per week through the season.
He is Boy #4 to us but on the team he is known as #11. Here he is rising out of the water like the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch. I apologize. I still have Halloween on the brain.
The team has gone undefeated this season and later today we’ll be at the pool watching the boys play in the championship game at our league tournament. We’ve been water polo parents since Boy #1 entered high school but that will end at the conclusion of this season. We could not have asked for more. Ending the season in the top position is an excellent way finish out our 10 years of being involved in high school water polo. Way to go boys!
This recipe is an excellent choice for game day or any crazy, busy day. It was on our menu recently and it’s always a winner.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
About 6 to 8 hours before you want to serve dinner, place 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
Sprinkle 3 heaping tablespoons of the taco seasoning of your choice over the the chicken.
I always have a small jar of my Homemade Taco Seasoning in my pantry. I like to mix it up myself to control the amount of salt and tweak it just how I like it. You can substitute with prepared taco seasoning and the result will still be wonderful.
Chopped onions and a can of diced tomatoes go in next. I used diced fire roasted tomatoes but you can grab any variety that looks good to you at the store.
Scatter a can of undrained, diced green chiles over the top. Place the lid on the slow cooker, set it to low, and walk away. It’s that easy!
When you come back 6 to 8 hours later, it should be fork tender and shred easily. Shred away.
Add in a little chopped cilantro to brighten things up.
Cilantro is pretty and yummy but completely optional.
Mix it together and it is ready to serve.
Load up your tortillas with all the usual taco goodness. Cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and anything and everything else. One of my favorite easy weeknight dinners.
This chicken is very versatile. You can serve it on corn or flour tortillas like I’ve done here, use it as a base for chicken enchiladas, burritos, nachos, soups, chilis, and more.
Goooooo Vikings!
This post was originally published November 3, 2012. Since then it has become one of the most popular recipes on the blog and in my own kitchen. The photos have been refreshed but the recipe remains unchanged.
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 heaping tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix, or store-bought
- ¾ cup diced onion
- 14.5 ounce can Diced Fire Roasted Garlic Tomatoes, (or similar variety)
- 4.5 ounce can diced green chiles, undrained
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
For the Tacos
- corn or flour tortillas
- vegetable oil, optional
- Toppings – cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, etc.
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Top with diced onion and then pour tomatoes over the top. Top with the undrained green chiles. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
- Remove lid from slow cooker and shred the chicken with two forks. Add cilantro and mix to combine. Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
I made this recipe most recently for a graduation party and doubled it because I had so many people coming. When I tell you it was the first thing to go in less than 2 hours I’d 100% agree it’s one of the beat recipes for chicken tacos and so easy to prepare! Another thing I love about this recipe is that all ages enjoyed it and I’m currently making it for supper tonight. Thanks!!
This recipe is perfect for a group like that! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipe, Jaimie. 🙂
This has become one of my go to meals. Even my daughter who has sensory issues loves it. Finding an easy, healthy meal that all three of my kids can agree on is impossible, but for years now, my entire family can agree on this one. Not only is it easy, but I love that it’s enough for two meals. We have tacos the first night and nachos the next day (or two, or three). I have fibromyalgia and this meal has been a lifesaver for me. I love being able to give my family a good meal when I can barely even get out of bed. No guilt to be had. I won’t look at any other recipe for tacos. I scrolled past quite a few to find this specific one. Thank you a million times for sharing it with us!
Rees, your comment has made my day. 🙂 I am so happy the recipe is working so well for you and that the whole family loves it. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with me!
I make this in my Instant Pot and it is always a hit! 🤗
I cook it on high pressure for 20 minutes with natural release, shred the chicken then put it back in and add my cilantro.
I also make the same homemade seasoning and keep plenty on hand- the perfect blend!
Hi Valerie! Would it work to use chicken broth instead of the tomatoes in this recipe? I’ve got a couple of picky eaters who prefer more subtle taste ☺️.
Hi Kristen. I think the chicken would cook just fine but I’d be concerned it could end up a bit bland without the tomatoes.
Sadly we had to throw it away. Texture was mush although it looked ok and the chicken shredded easily it was not edible. We did like the homemade taco seasoning recipe. I rushed out and bought ground beef for our tostadas!
Sorry you didn’t have a good result, Judy. If you cook chicken too long in a slow cooker, the texture will change and it sounds like that must be what happened here. You want to stop cooking it as soon as it is easy to shred.
Ok my bad. Sorry to rate your recipe one star when it was my fault for over cooking. I’m not experienced with a crockpot. I should have checked the chicken sooner. I’ll try it again and keep an eye on it.
I hope it works out better for you next time!
I’ve made this amazing meal many times and love it! I’m wondering if this same recipe would be doable with a pork loin? Thoughts? Thanks!!!
Hi Kim. It’s hard to say how a pork loin would do without testing but I have used pork tenderloin to make a very lean pulled pork with a good result. I think it’s worth a try but I’d watch the cooking time. You don’t want to overcook the pork and risk it getting dry.
Hi Jen, how many soft taco shells per servings. Is it 3 like your picture shows, So I need 24 6″ tortillas for the recipe of 8 servings (5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)?
What size chicken breasts did you use? Approximately how many pounds of chicken is it?
I usually use about 3 pounds of chicken but you can do a little less or more and it will work just fine.
Do you drain the tomatoes?
No!
Hi would this recipe work to cook on high for shorter time ? I’m running late so it will only work out for me if it’s 4/5 hours on high ??!! Thanks again
Hi Jen. That is plenty of time on high to get the chicken nice and tender.