Pin It 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.
This is a go-to meal in my house when I want something delicious with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work and the chicken is always tender and full of flavor.
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.
Pin It This recipe always brings our family together around the dinner table enjoying great food and conversation.
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
Calories 210 Total Fat 5 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 25 g (per serving without toppings)
Pin It This simple recipe can easily become a staple in your weekly meal plan for quick and tasty dinners.
Your Questions Answered
- → What cut of chicken works best for shredding?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal as they become tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
- → Can I use fresh ingredients instead of spices?
While spices give a consistent flavor, fresh garlic and onion can be substituted for powder versions for a fresher taste.
- → How do I make the chicken spicier?
Add hot salsa or include a ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the sauce mix before cooking to increase heat.
- → What tortillas are best for this dish?
Warm small corn or flour tortillas both work well; corn tortillas provide a gluten-free option if needed.
- → Can leftovers be repurposed?
Leftover shredded chicken can be used in salads, quesadillas, or burrito bowls for quick meals.