Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos (Printer-friendly)

Tender Mexican-spiced chicken simmers slowly then shreds perfectly for vibrant taco nights.

# What you'll need:

→ Poultry

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
05 - 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

06 - 1 tbsp chili powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Liquids

12 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
13 - Juice of 1 lime

→ To Serve

14 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
15 - Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

# Method:

01 - Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Add diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeños if using, and pour diced tomatoes with juices over the chicken.
03 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over all ingredients.
04 - Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
06 - Remove chicken from slow cooker, shred using two forks, and return to the sauce. Add lime juice and stir to combine.
07 - Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
08 - Spoon shredded chicken onto warm tortillas, add desired toppings, and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The chicken literally falls apart when you touch it with a fork after six hours of slow cooking magic
  • Your entire kitchen smells like a taco stand before you even start assembling dinner
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, making effortless lunches
02 -
  • The chicken needs very little liquid since it releases juices as it cooks
  • Letting the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for 15 minutes before serving makes it incredibly flavorful
  • Corn tortillas need direct heat to get pliable and develop those lovely charred spots
03 -
  • Pork shoulder or beef chuck work beautifully as substitutes for chicken
  • Freeze the cooked chicken in portion sized containers for future taco emergencies

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