These slow cooker chicken tacos are the easiest way to get dinner on the table with almost zero effort. Add chicken breasts, taco seasoning, salsa, Rotel, and onions to your crockpot, hit start, and let it do the work. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and by dinnertime you'll have juicy, tender shredded chicken ready for warm tortillas and your favorite taco toppings. It's a true weeknight winner you'll make again and again.
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I've been making these shredded chicken tacos for years using my crockpot salsa chicken recipe. As someone who cooks Tex Mex food, especially tacos, on a weekly basis, I need this set-it-and-forget-it version to make taco night easy and delicious.
After years of making slow cooker chicken tacos with salsa, I can confidently say this cooking method delivers juicy, reliable results every time. It's ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or hosting an effortless taco night.
Jump to:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for slow cooking because they soak up flavor and shred beautifully once tender.
- Choose a salsa you genuinely like because the flavor will shine through. Mild salsa makes a family-friendly batch, while medium or hot adds a little kick.
- Rotel is my secret ingredient and prevents the chicken from drying out by adding extra liquid and acidity.
- Taco seasoning is my shortcut to instant Tex-Mex flavor. Store-bought works great, but a homemade spice blend gives you full control over salt and heat.
- Tortillas pull everything together. Flour tortillas are soft and flexible, while corn tortillas bring more classic Mexican flavor. Try lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or crunchy taco shells for a fun texture swap. Pro Tip: Warm tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame for the best texture.
- My favorite chicken taco toppings include diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Grab everything you need and get set because this is a classic dump-and-go crockpot recipe that takes only a few minutes to prep.
Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, simply warm your tortillas and load them up with your favorite toppings for quick, delicious tacos.
Step 1: Place the chicken in your slow cooker and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top.
Rub it in so every side is coated - this helps the flavor soak deep into the meat as it cooks.
Step 2: Pour the salsa and Rotel over the chicken, then add the sliced onions.
Gently stir or nudge everything so the chicken settles into the saucy mixture. You want the chicken surrounded by liquid so it cooks evenly and stays tender.
Pro Tip: Too much liquid can make the filling soupy. Stick to ¾ cup of salsa for 2 pounds of chicken and 1 cup for 2½ pounds.
Step 3: Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
The chicken is ready when it pulls apart easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the chicken still feels firm, give it a little more time.
Step 4: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
For softer, finer shreds, use a hand mixer on low speed for a few seconds until the chicken is perfectly pulled apart.
Pro Tip: Warm chicken shreds easier and absorbs more sauce. As it cools, the texture toughens making shredding it more difficult.
Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir.
Switch the slow cooker to "Warm" and let everything sit for 20-30 minutes so the chicken can soak up all that flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the tacos. Warm your tortillas until soft and pliable, then pile on a generous scoop of the juicy shredded chicken and finish with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip: A quick toast in a dry skillet or over a gas flame makes tortillas soft, flexible, and slightly charred… aka taco perfection.
What to Serve with Chicken Tacos
I love making these crockpot chicken tacos for busy weeknights, but they're just as perfect for hosting because everyone can customize their plate. Whether you're feeding your family or a whole crowd, here are my favorite toppings and sides to turn taco Tuesday into a full Mexican feast:
Favorite Taco Toppings
With toppings like these, you can build slow cooker chicken tacos that are fresh, creamy, crunchy, spicy… or all of the above!
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend
- My spicy pico de gallo recipe adds freshness and a little crunch.
- Lettuce or shredded cabbage
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Pickled jalapenos
Looking for more sauce? Add a drizzle of my creamy jalapeno sauce to give these tacos a kick.
Sides for Tacos
When it comes to my taco night menu, I love keeping a mix of fresh, crunchy, and comforting sides on the table. And of course, no fiesta is complete without a frozen limeade margarita in hand!
A big bowl of chips and salsa is always the first thing to disappear, and my jalapeño rice makes the perfect spicy, fluffy side. Black beans or charro beans are an easy addition if you want something hearty. And for a healthier option, roasted veggies like peppers, onions, or zucchini add color and a little charred sweetness.
Storage
Store: Leftover shredded chicken keeps well and even tastes better as the flavors meld. Once it's cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep toppings stored separately in individual containers
Reheat: Warm the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or salsa. A little extra moisture helps keep it juicy instead of drying out.
Freeze: For longer storage, portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Press bags flat to remove air and help them stack neatly. When you're ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low until warm.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Chicken thighs work perfectly and often come out juicier than breasts. They may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness a little early.
It's best not to. Frozen chicken takes too long to come up to a safe temperature in a slow cooker, which can lead to uneven cooking. If your chicken is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge
Keep tortillas warm by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a low oven, or store them in a tortilla warmer lined with a kitchen towel to trap steam and keep them soft.
More Taco Recipes
- Beer battered fish tacos are made with tender cod, pantry staples, and a cold beer.
- Juicy, tender shredded beef is the star of these barbacoa tacos, paired with simple, fresh toppings.
- These crispy beer battered shrimp tacos will rival your favorite taco shop!
- With just a handful of simple ingredients and multiple cooking methods to choose from, these shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are a weeknight win!
- I use leftover brisket, so these BBQ brisket tacos come together in only 10 minutes.
Made it? Loved it? I'd love for you to share a quick comment and star rating. Thanks, y'all! 🤠
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe
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Equipment
- Slow cooker or crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¾ cup salsa
- 10 ounce Rotel
- ½ white onion sliced
- 12 tortillas corn or flour
- Optional taco toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the taco seasoning over the top, flip the chicken, and season the other side with the remaining seasoning.
- Pour the salsa and Rotel over the chicken, then add the sliced onions. Gently stir so the chicken is covered in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender, juicy, and shreds easily with a fork.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the warm sauce. For even more flavor, switch the slow cooker to "Warm" and let the chicken soak in the sauce for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Assemble tacos by warming tortillas in a dry skillet and loading them with the shredded chicken and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 ℉.
- For spicy chicken tacos, use a spicy taco seasoning and "hot" Rotel. If you're making your own seasoning at home, add in extra chili powder and cayenne powder.
- Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a spoonful of broth or salsa when reheating to prevent the chicken from drying out. Store the tortillas and toppings separately.
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