Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos (Print Version)

Tender spiced chicken slow-cooked to perfection, ready to pile into taco shells with all your favorite toppings.

# Recipe Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Seasonings & Sauces

02 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy as desired)
07 - 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
08 - Juice of 1 lime

→ To Serve

09 - 12 corn or flour taco shells
10 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream
13 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
14 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
15 - 1 avocado, sliced
16 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
17 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging in an even layer.
02 - Sprinkle the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken pieces.
03 - Pour the salsa and chicken broth (or water) over the seasoned chicken. Squeeze the juice from one lime directly into the slow cooker.
04 - Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
05 - Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir well to coat in the cooking juices.
06 - Warm the taco shells according to package instructions, either in the oven or microwave.
07 - Fill each warm taco shell with the shredded chicken mixture. Top with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chicken practically falls apart on its own, no muscle required
  • Your whole kitchen will smell incredible all day long
  • Leftovers taste even better tucked into breakfast burritos
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, every peek adds 15 minutes to the time
  • The chicken will continue absorbing flavor as it sits, so make it ahead if possible
03 -
  • Let guests build their own tacos, everyone wins
  • Warm your tortillas while the chicken finishes its final sauce coat

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