Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos

Taco night is always a big hit in my house, and these crockpot shredded chicken tacos have quickly become a favorite. They’re incredibly easy to make, super flavorful, and the best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you. If you’re anything like me, you love meals that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen — but really didn’t.

I first made these tacos on a busy weekday when I had a million things to do. I needed something that didn’t require me to hover over the stove, and I’m so glad I gave this a try. I just threw a few ingredients into the crockpot before lunch, and by dinner time, I had the juiciest, most delicious shredded chicken ready to be tucked into warm tortillas.

What I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can keep it simple with just chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning — or you can dress it up with extras like black beans, corn, or even cream cheese for a creamier twist. It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep if you like having leftovers during the week.

So, whether you’re planning a taco Tuesday, feeding a hungry family, or just looking for an easy, tasty dinner idea, these crockpot shredded chicken tacos are definitely worth trying. I promise — once you make them, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.

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What are Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos?

Crockpot shredded chicken tacos are an easy and flavorful meal made with chicken breasts slow-cooked in a crockpot (also known as a slow cooker) until they’re tender enough to shred. The chicken is usually cooked with salsa, taco seasoning, and sometimes a few other simple ingredients to build flavor.

Once it’s cooked and shredded, it’s piled into taco shells or soft tortillas and topped with your favorite fixings — like shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, or chopped tomatoes.

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Why You’ll Love It

• So easy to make – Just dump everything in the crockpot and let it cook. No need to babysit the stove.
• Super flavorful – The chicken soaks up all the seasoning and salsa as it cooks, making every bite juicy and delicious.
• Great for busy days – Perfect for weeknights, school nights, or when you just don’t feel like cooking.
• Versatile and customizable – You can use different toppings, add-ins, or even serve it over rice or in burrito bowls.
• Perfect for leftovers – The shredded chicken keeps well in the fridge and is great for tacos, wraps, salads, or quesadillas the next day.

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Ingredient List

For the Shredded Chicken

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
• 1 cup salsa (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

For the Tacos

• Soft taco tortillas or crunchy taco shells (about 8-10)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Shredded lettuce (optional)
• Chopped tomatoes (optional)
• Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)
• Jalapeños (optional, if you like a little heat)

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Ingredient Notes

• I always use mild salsa – It adds just the right amount of flavor without making the chicken too spicy. You can go spicier if you prefer, though!
• Don’t skip the chicken broth – It helps keep the chicken tender and juicy while it cooks.
• Taco seasoning is key – Using a pre-packaged taco seasoning mix is quick and convenient, but you can make your own if you have time! Just a heads-up, don’t overdo it with the seasoning; a single packet is perfect for this recipe.
• For extra creaminess – Adding a bit of cream cheese to the crockpot before cooking can make the chicken extra creamy and rich. It’s an optional twist, but I highly recommend trying it!
• You can use frozen chicken – If you’re in a rush, don’t worry! Frozen chicken breasts work just as well in the crockpot. Just add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cook time.

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Kitchen Tools Needed

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker – This is the star of the show! I use a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe.
• Meat Fork or Two Forks – To shred the chicken once it’s done cooking. You can also use tongs or even a hand mixer for faster shredding (trust me, it’s a game changer!).
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements, especially for the salsa, chicken broth, and taco seasoning. It just makes things easier!
• Tongs or Spatula – To move the chicken around once it’s done cooking and to serve it easily without making a mess.
• Cutting Board & Knife – If you’re chopping up toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, or avocado, this will come in handy.

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I love using the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker. It’s simple, reliable, and easy to clean. Plus, it has a locking lid for when you need to transport your food, which comes in handy if you’re bringing this to a party or potluck.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
  Make sure the chicken breasts are lying flat and spread out so they cook evenly. If they’re frozen, that’s totally fine; you’ll just need a bit more time to cook them.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Salsa

• Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.
  If you’re using store-bought taco seasoning, a packet is typically enough for 3-4 chicken breasts.
  Pro Tip: Use a spoon to spread the seasoning evenly over the chicken to make sure it’s well-coated.
• Pour the salsa on top of the chicken.
  The salsa adds moisture and a great burst of flavor to the chicken as it cooks. You can use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your heat preference.
• Add chicken broth or water.
  Pour the chicken broth around the chicken to ensure the chicken stays moist while cooking. It also helps create a bit of a sauce in the crockpot.

Step 3: Set the Crockpot to Cook

• Cover the crockpot with the lid and set the temperature to low.
  Let the chicken cook for 4-6 hours if fresh, or 6-8 hours if frozen. The longer you cook it, the more tender the chicken will be, so don’t worry about overcooking it.
• Optional Step: Add a dollop of cream cheese for creamier chicken.
  If you’re adding cream cheese, just place a block on top of the chicken when you add the salsa and seasoning. The cream cheese melts beautifully and makes the chicken extra rich.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

• Check if the chicken is cooked.
  After the cooking time, check the chicken to make sure it’s fully cooked. It should shred easily with a fork. If it’s not quite there, cook for another 30 minutes.
• Shred the chicken in the crockpot.
  Use two forks or a meat fork to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. You can also use tongs if that’s easier.
  Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken in about 2-3 minutes. It’s super fast and easy!

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

• Warm your tortillas or taco shells.
  Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or heat the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes. This makes them more pliable and delicious.
• Spoon the shredded chicken into the tortillas.
  Add a generous amount of the shredded chicken to each tortilla or shell.
• Top with your favorite toppings.
  Add shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or whatever you love on your tacos!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve immediately while everything is warm and tasty.
  Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make crockpot shredded chicken tacos with friends or family!

These tacos are perfect for taco night, meal prepping, or even serving at a get-together. They’re just so simple to make, and the chicken always turns out so flavorful and tender. Let me know how it goes when you try them!

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overfill the crockpot – While it’s tempting to add more chicken, make sure there’s enough room for the chicken to cook properly. If your crockpot is too full, the chicken might not cook evenly.
• Shred the chicken while it’s still hot – This makes the shredding process much easier, and the chicken will stay tender and juicy.
• Add extra flavor with seasonings – If you want to elevate the flavor even more, try adding a dash of cumin, garlic powder, or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
• Save the juice – The liquid left in the crockpot is full of flavor! Use it as a base for a flavorful sauce, or drizzle it over your tacos for extra moisture and taste.
• Use a liner for easy cleanup – If you want to make cleanup a breeze, try using a crockpot liner. It’s a total game changer, especially when you’re dealing with sticky, saucy ingredients like shredded chicken.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts – If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’ll be just as juicy and flavorful.
• Ground chicken or turkey – You can swap the whole chicken breasts for ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a different texture. Just cook it on the stove first before adding it to the crockpot with the seasoning and salsa.
• Salsa verde – For a tangy twist, swap regular salsa for salsa verde (green salsa). It gives the chicken a bright, zesty flavor.
• Cream cheese for a creamy version – For a creamier shredded chicken, add 4 oz of cream cheese to the crockpot with the other ingredients. It melts into the chicken and makes it rich and velvety.
• Add black beans or corn – Throw in a can of drained black beans or corn to make the chicken even heartier. These ingredients also add extra flavor and texture.
• Taco seasoning alternatives – If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, mix your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of Mexican rice – This is a great way to make your taco night more filling. The fluffy, flavorful rice pairs perfectly with the juicy shredded chicken.
• Top with fresh guacamole and a squeeze of lime – For an extra burst of flavor, add a dollop of guacamole and a fresh squeeze of lime juice right before serving. It’s the perfect balance to the savory chicken.
• Pair with a side of tortilla chips and salsa – If you want a fun, snackable side, serve your tacos with crispy tortilla chips and a bowl of salsa. Perfect for dipping!
• Make a taco salad – For a lighter, healthier option, use the shredded chicken as a topping for a fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of salsa or sour cream.
• Stuff in burritos – If you have leftovers, wrap the shredded chicken in a large flour tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying burrito.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage – Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing – For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating in the microwave – Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Reheating on the stovetop – Heat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
• Reheating in the crockpot – You can also reheat the chicken in the crockpot on low for 30-60 minutes, adding a little extra salsa or chicken broth to keep it moist.

This recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers, so don’t worry if you have extra chicken — there are plenty of ways to enjoy it all week long!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. If it’s not shredding easily, cook it for an additional 30 minutes in the crockpot. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time, and make sure it’s fully cooked and shreds easily before serving.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! If you like heat, use a spicier salsa or add a diced jalapeño to the crockpot. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on top of the shredded chicken for an extra kick.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to fit all the ingredients and that the chicken cooks evenly. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on how much you’re making.

How do I keep the chicken moist when reheating?

To keep the chicken moist when reheating, add a little extra salsa or chicken broth to the chicken and cover it while reheating. This helps lock in the moisture and keeps the chicken tender.

Can I use a different protein?

Definitely! You can swap the chicken for shredded beef, ground turkey, or even pork. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly, and make sure the meat is cooked through before shredding.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!