This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe is quick to make and convenient to use in not just tacos, but burritos, enchiladas, tamales, taco salads and more.
We have many easy slow cooker meals to try, including Hawaiian Meatballs and Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala.
Why I love Crockpot Chicken Tacos:
- Quick and Convenient: you can throw together slow cooker tacos in just a few minutes and let the slow cooker do the work. Or if you’re short on time, could make them in the instant pot.
- Versatile – it’s great for more than just tacos! We use this mexican shredded chicken as a base for chicken chimichangas, taco salad, or any of your favorite burritos, tostadas, or enchiladas.
- Healthy – Packed with protein and cooked in light and flavorful sauce. Check out all my high protein recipes!
How to make Crockpot Chicken Tacos:
Layer Ingredients: Arrange chicken breasts in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients together: chicken broth, Italian dressing, lime juice and spices then pour over the chicken.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Shred chicken then cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow it to absorb some of the sauce and juices.
Serve crockpot shredded chicken tacos in corn or flour tortillas, with desired toppings shredded lettuce or cabbage, cheese, and pico de gallo.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: The slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator and heat before using.
To Freeze: Freeze shredded slow cooker chicken recipe in an airtight freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts , or thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or use salsa)
- 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing (or use salsa)
- 3 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon EACH garlic powder, paprika, cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional, for Serving:
- 8 corn tortillas , or 4 flour tortillas
- Desired toppings: shredded lettuce or cabbage, shredded cheese, Salsa or hot sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole, onion, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Add chicken to slow cooker.
- Whisk remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 3-4 hours (or 4-5 hours for chicken thighs).
- Shred chicken. Cook for 30 more minutes.
- Serve in flour or corn tortillas, with desired toppings. Or, use shredded taco chicken for enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas, burritos, taco salads etc.
Notes
Nutrition
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*I originally shared this recipe July 2015. Updated April 2020 and March 2024..
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These are a family favorite. We probably make these 4 times a month. The whole family loves them and I love how easy they are. The chicken is so tender and so flavorful. Can’t beat an easy, delicious crock pot meal. Thanks!
Could you recommend a good Italian dressing? I don’t usually use a store brand due to the sugar and corn syrup.
Thanks!!
Mary
Hi Mary, this recipe has my homemade Italian dressing in it (it makes about 1.5 cups, so adapt accordingly.) Enjoy! https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/italian-pasta-salad/
Don’t bother pinning it. COOK IT! It’s delicious!
We had a mexican day at work and i cooked up this recipe! Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe!
I cooked it again tonight for dinner – i could have eaten the whole lot!
So good!
I just love it when a recipe is such a hit that it get’s made more than once! Thank you for sharing Michelle! 🙂
I am not at all a fan of Mexican food, however, these tacos are tastee and the chicken is very tender, I will be making these again.
Oh delicious, i love this sort of food, Great recipe.
Simon
Oh! Looks good. I don’t eat meat, but I can always substitute the mean for Tofu or something else. The Barbecue sauce on tacos could be an interesting taste!
I LOVE Mexican food so you had me at tacos. I always forget to bring out my slow cooker this time of year, but now I am going to have to!
xo katie // a touch of teal
I love putting chicken in the slow cooker, it’s awesome. I also like chicken taco’s. I don’t eat a lot of red meat anyway. These look so good, thanks for sharing!
I’ve been looking for slow cooker recipes lately, so this looks perfect. Pinned.
I love Mexican food, It looks so delicious! I have to make these tacos someday. Pinning!