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    Home » Crockpot Chicken Tacos (Mexican Chicken)

    Crockpot Chicken Tacos (Mexican Chicken)

    Published: Apr 26, 2020 · Modified: Jul 6, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Tacos are an easy and delicious dinner that only takes 5 minutes to prepare! Mexican shredded chicken is delicious served in tortillas, over rice or on top of a salad, and is a great way to meal prep chicken for the week!

    slow cooker chicken taco on a plate

    I never, ever have trouble getting my kids to eat dinner when tacos are on the menu! These slow cooker chicken tacos are a healthy recipe that is easy to prepare, and can be served many different ways.

    Seriously, this Mexican shredded chicken only takes 5 minutes to prepare. It's delicious served in tortillas, over rice or on top of a salad, or with your favorite Mexican Recipes! Plus, it's a great meal-prep recipe that can be made once and enjoyed all week long. And it's gluten-free, dairy-free and Paleo!

    overhead view of three crockpot chicken tacos

    Crockpot Chicken Tacos: Ingredients & Substitutions

    Here are a few notes about the ingredients in this crockpot Mexican chicken recipe, as well as possible substitutions: 

    overhead view of the ingredients in this crockpot chicken tacos recipe
    • Salsa. One of the wonderful aspects of this recipe is that you can use your favorite salsa (or make your own homemade salsa) and really set flavor profile for the dish. I opt for a mild variety because I'm a spice wimp, but you can choose the heat, flavor, etc. 
    • Lime Juice. I never make chicken tacos without a splash of lime juice, it adds such a great flavor.
    • Spices. I created a spice blend that is perfect for our family's tastes (i.e. not to spicy). Feel free to play with the heat if you want and add more chili powder, a dash of cayenne, or even some hot sauce. You can also substitute all the spices and use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning instead.
    overhead view of three crockpot chicken tacos on a plate

    How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos

    I love these slow cooker chicken tacos because all the work is done in the pan of your slow cooker - which means minimal dirty dishes. This Mexican shredded chicken is easy to make, but as always we will walk through the process step-by-step, and don't forget to watch the video! 

    Combine ingredients in the Crockpot

    In the container of a slow cooker, add salsa, lime juice and seasonings. Stir to combine.

    Add chicken breasts and stir to ensure they are covered with the salsa mixture. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

    two overhead photos showing how to make crockpot chicken tacos in a slow cooker - combining ingredients and adding chicken

    Shred chicken 

    Shred the slow cooker chicken tacos with two forks in the slow cooker and stir it into the salsa mixture. Some people prefer to transfer the chicken to the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to shred it by turning it on to medium speed for 15-30 seconds. This works well too!

    Cook with the lid ajar

    Cook for an additional 1 hour with the lid slightly ajar. This allows some of the moisture to escape so you do not have runny chicken tacos! 

    two overhead photos showing how to make crockpot chicken tacos in a slow cooker - chicken being shredded after finished cooking

    Serve

    Serve the crockpot Mexican shredded chicken as chicken tacos, wrapped up in tortillas with your choice of toppings and sides. Here are some of our favorite Mexican recipes: 

    • I make this easy homemade guacamole on repeat. Taco night isn't complete without it. 
    • This blender salsa takes 5 minutes to prepare!
    • Skip the can and make your own homemade refried black beans, they only take 10 minutes to prepare!
    • I always make this sweet potato and black bean taco filling to go with our chicken tacos for extra veggies!
    • Use this Mexican chicken instead of beef on this Nachos Recipe!
    • Use it in the filling for these Chicken enchiladas - one of my family's favorite meals!
    front view of a hand holding a Mexican shredded chicken taco

    Store/freeze

    To store, simply put the chicken tacos it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If freezing, I recommend portioning it out into the amount you would eat in one sitting or meal.  

    Recipe FAQS

    Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker?

    Yes! As the chicken cooks it will reach a temperature above 160 degrees F, which ensures it is safe to eat.

    Can you put frozen chicken in the crockpot?

    Another yes. You can place frozen chicken in a crockpot, but I suggest doing so only if you will be cooking it on low heat for a longer period of time. If chicken changes temperature too quickly it can become rubbery. To avoid this, cook frozen chicken breasts slowly on the low setting. 

    Can you cook chicken in the crockpot on high for 4 hours?

    Yes, I suggest cooking on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

    overhead view of 3 chicken tacos

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Crockpot Chicken Tacos

    Crockpot Chicken Tacos (Mexican Chicken)

    Laura
    Crockpot Chicken Tacos are an easy and delicious dinner that only takes 5 minutes to prepare! Mexican shredded chicken is delicious served in tortillas, over rice or on top of a salad, and is a great way to meal prep chicken for the week!
    5 from 34 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 4 hrs
    Total Time 4 hrs 5 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 12 Servings
    Calories 99 kcal

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 16 oz salsa
    • 1 tsp lime juice
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • ¼ tsp chili powder
    • ½ tsp ground coriander
    • ¼ to ½ tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
    • For serving: tortillas sour cream, cheese, guacamole, chopped fresh cilantro

    Instructions
     

    • In the container of a slow cooker, add salsa, lime juice and seasonings. Stir to combine.
    • Add chicken breasts and stir to ensure they are covered with the salsa mixture.
    • Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
    • Shred chicken with two forks in the slow cooker and stir it into the salsa mixture.
    • Cook for an additional 1 hour with the lid slightly ajar (to let moisture escape).
    • Serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings!

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions 

    • Salsa. One of the wonderful aspects of this recipe is that you can use your favorite salsa (or make your own homemade salsa) and really set flavor profile for the dish. I opt for a mild variety because I'm a spice wimp, but you can choose the heat, flavor, etc. 
    • Lime Juice. I never make chicken tacos without a splash of lime juice, it adds such a great flavor.
    • Spices. I created a spice blend that is perfect for our family's tastes (i.e. not to spicy). Feel free to play with the heat if you want and add more chili powder, a dash of cayenne, or even some hot sauce. You can also substitute all the spices and use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning instead. I just love making this with our own spice blend. 

    To Store/freeze:

    To store, put the chicken tacos it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If freezing, I recommend portioning it out into the amount you would eat in one sitting or meal.  

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3ozCalories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 17gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 404mgPotassium: 398mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 313IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Photos in this recipe were taken by the talented Jamie from Dishing Out Health

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sheena

      December 08, 2022 at 12:50 pm

      I just used chicken breast on the bone, is this going to turn out okay?

      Reply
      • Laura

        December 08, 2022 at 1:12 pm

        I'm sure it will taste great!

        Reply
        • Sheena

          December 08, 2022 at 2:03 pm

          I guess I meant, will the bones interfere with the process of shredding? Are there small ones I should worry about? Thanks for your speedy reply! So appreciate it!

    2. Mari

      October 26, 2022 at 11:36 am

      Do you have to cover the chicken with water for it to cook properly?

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 27, 2022 at 7:24 am

        Nope!

        Reply
    3. Kathleen

      July 03, 2022 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      This is one of the most delicious chicken taco recipes I’ve had. I make them weekly and my family loves them. The chicken shreds easily and there is so much flavor! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.

      Reply
      • Laura

        July 03, 2022 at 2:58 pm

        Thank you Kathleen! I'm so glad your family enjoys them as much as we do!

        Reply
    4. Angelica

      June 16, 2022 at 9:49 am

      5 stars
      OMG these are the best chicken tacos ever! I used hard shells and they still taste delicious! I also made lime crema sour cream , which was a perfect topping! Thanks for the recipe! These really taste like they came from a restaurant!

      Reply
    5. Kim

      December 16, 2021 at 9:11 pm

      Can I ask you what you did to heat up/cook the tortillas?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Amiah

        November 30, 2022 at 7:46 pm

        Can the chicken be put in frozen?

        Reply
        • Laura

          December 01, 2022 at 7:00 am

          I don't suggest putting frozen chicken in the crockpot because it causes the temperature to rise too quickly and can result in tough, rubbery chicken.

    6. Robin

      January 18, 2021 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      Hello, Laura. I just discovered this site, and I must say - I have enjoyed lingering here! You have a beautiful family! Love your story and very much enjoyed reading about your church. Looking forward to exploring more of your recipes and articles. Just made the Crockpot Chicken Tacos today and it is really delicious. Super easy to put together and has great flavor. Going to try the Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars next because, well, it’s peanut butter! and can’t get a much better endorsement than it keeping you happy for breakfast for over a decade. Thanks for sharing all this wonderfulness with us!

      Reply
    7. Sarah

      September 03, 2020 at 12:03 pm

      How many servings/ tacos would this fill?

      Reply
    8. Reena Bansal

      August 24, 2020 at 7:44 am

      5 stars
      Being stuck home for almost 3 months due to the outbreak in NY, we have grown tired of making the same old food. I had boneless chicken and no idea what to do with it. I googled chicken recipe ideas and this came up.
      Wasn’t planning on making tacos but I am so glad I did!! I used boneless chicken breasts and sliced them very thin and cooked them after letting them sit in the spice rub for a couple hours. I didn’t have fresh pico but salsa was good as well. My younger son even tried them and ate 2 tacos himself, which is highly unusual because he eats almost nothing new even though we try! These will be made again and again! Thank you!

      Reply
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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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