Save Tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked in a slow cooker and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings—perfect for an easy and satisfying family meal.
I have always loved how convenient slow cooker meals are especially when entertaining family; this shredded chicken taco recipe quickly became a household favorite.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Sauce & Seasonings: 1 cup (240 ml) tomato salsa (mild or medium as preferred), 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Tacos: 12 small corn or flour tortillas warmed
- Optional Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar Monterey Jack or Mexican blend), ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1 avocado sliced, ½ cup (80 g) diced tomatoes, ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro, Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, mix together the salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Step 4:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Step 5:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks Return the shredded chicken to the cooker, stirring to combine with the sauce.
- Step 6:
- Warm the tortillas Fill each with a generous portion of shredded chicken and your choice of toppings.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Save This meal always brings my family together especially on busy weeknights when everyone appreciates a quick comforting dish.
Required Tools
Slow cooker, Mixing bowl, Forks (for shredding), Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (if using cheese or sour cream) Wheat (if using flour tortillas). For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and double-check labels on all packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving without toppings: 210 Calories, 5 g Total Fat, 15 g Carbohydrates, 25 g Protein
Save 
This recipe delivers a delicious homemade taco experience that’s simple and sure to please everyone at the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cuts of chicken work best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well; thighs tend to be juicier and more tender after slow cooking.
- → How do I shred the chicken easily?
After cooking, use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently; it should shred effortlessly when fully cooked.
- → Can I prepare this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a covered pan on low heat or bake it slowly to achieve tender results similar to slow cooking.
- → What toppings complement the chicken best?
Fresh ingredients like shredded lettuce, cheese, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime balance the savory chicken flavors.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Use a hotter salsa variety or add cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before cooking for an extra kick.
- → Are corn tortillas gluten-free?
Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them a good option for gluten-sensitive diets, but always check labels to be sure.