If you’re looking for a super easy and delicious meal, you’ve hit the jackpot with these slow-cooker chicken tacos! They’re perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to whip up these mouthwatering tacos!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make these tacos:
- Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are juicier!)
- Taco seasoning: 2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
- Salsa: 1 cup (choose your favorite kind—mild, medium, or spicy)
- Bell peppers: 1-2, sliced (any color you like)
- Onion: 1 medium, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Lime: 1, juiced
- Tortillas: Corn or flour, your choice
- Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, or whatever you love!
Equipment
- Slow cooker: The star of the show!
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To get those ingredient amounts just right.
- Serving platter: To make your tacos look extra inviting.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your bell peppers and onion. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just chop them up so they’re ready to go. Mince the garlic, and if you’re using fresh lime, squeeze that juice into a small bowl.
Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Grab your slow cooker and toss in the chicken. Sprinkle the taco seasoning all over the chicken, then pour in the salsa. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic on top. Finally, drizzle the lime juice over everything.
Step 3: Let It Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better! You want that chicken to be super tender and easy to shred.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, take the lid off and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. It should fall apart easily! Mix everything together so the chicken gets coated in all those yummy juices.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Now comes the fun part! Grab your tortillas and fill them with the shredded chicken mixture. Top with your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, or whatever you fancy.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious slow-cooker chicken tacos! They’re perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Tips for the Best Tacos
- Make it spicy: If you like a kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
- Add beans: For extra protein and fiber, throw in a can of black beans or pinto beans.
- Meal prep: These tacos are great for meal prep! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Customize: Feel free to swap out the veggies or toppings based on what you have on hand or what you love.
FAQs About Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can throw frozen chicken right into the slow cooker. Just make sure to cook it on high for about 4-5 hours instead of low.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and then just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.
What are some good sides to serve with tacos?
Some tasty sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole for a fun appetizer!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove.
Slow-cooker chicken tacos are a game-changer for easy weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious meal that everyone will love.
