Flavor-Packed Crock Pot Chicken Tacos: A Simple 3-Ingredient Recipe

If you're craving something tasty yet simple, these crock pot chicken tacos hit the mark. With just three key ingredients, you can create a dish that's bursting with flavor and perfect for any night of the week.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours hrs 5 minutes

Serves 6

Calories: 183kcal

Carbohydrates: 3g

Protein: 32g

Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Photo byEasy Family Recipes

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully here, but you can also substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier texture.
• Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning works fine, but I highly recommend whipping up a batch of homemade taco seasoning. Not only does it offer a fresher taste, but it also lets you customize the spices to suit your dietary needs.
• Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chiles: These tomatoes are a go-to for me because of the bold flavor they add to the chicken. However, if you want to switch things up, salsa works as a great alternative.

Cooking Tips for Tender Crock Pot Chicken

Many people overcook chicken in the slow cooker, which can result in a dry, tough texture. To keep your chicken tender and juicy, cook it on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The key is to cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This way, it stays moist and delicious without drying out.

Lay the Chicken Flat for Even Cooking

It might sound simple, but laying your chicken flat in the crock pot makes a huge difference. When you spread the chicken out instead of piling it up, it cooks more evenly and absorbs the seasoning better. This method ensures that every bite of chicken is full of flavor and perfectly cooked.

Shredding the Chicken

Once your chicken is done, it’s time to shred it and mix it back into the seasoned tomato mixture. Here are a few quick ways to get perfectly shredded chicken:

• Mixer Method: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to quickly shred the chicken. Just place the cooked chicken in a mixing bowl and set the mixer to medium speed. In minutes, you'll have perfectly shredded chicken.
• Meat Claws: These tools make shredding chicken by hand a breeze, cutting down on prep time.
• Fork Method: If you prefer a more traditional approach, grab two forks and pull the chicken apart. Since it's been slow-cooked, this should be an easy task.

Recipe Variations

While these tacos are delicious as-is, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste:

• Creamy Chicken Tacos: After shredding the chicken, mix in an 8 oz block of cream cheese and let it melt into the meat. This creates a rich, creamy filling that's absolutely irresistible.
• Chipotle Chicken Tacos: For a smoky twist, add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the tomatoes before cooking. After shredding the chicken, blend the sauce smooth for a spicy, flavorful kick.
• Spicy Chicken Tacos: If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper and some juice from jarred jalapeños to the seasoning mix. This variation delivers a nice spicy punch that’s sure to please.

Freezer Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. To freeze, combine the chicken, taco seasoning, and tomatoes (or salsa) in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to six months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the mixture in the fridge for 24-48 hours and cook as directed. You'll have a flavorful, ready-to-go meal on hand anytime you need it.

With just a few simple ingredients and these easy tips, you'll have a delicious batch of crock pot chicken tacos that everyone will love.

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