Are you ready to elevate your taco night to a whole new level of deliciousness? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy shredded chicken, perfectly seasoned and enveloped in warm tortillas. Our Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos are not just a meal; they’re a fiesta waiting to happen! With minimal prep time and an effortless cooking process, you can have a mouthwatering Mexican feast ready for your family or friends in just a few hours. Get ready to impress your taste buds and make your kitchen the heart of the party!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 12 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs, 1 cup of salsa, and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Also, have your 12 small tortillas ready, along with 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 avocado (sliced), and fresh cilantro for garnish.
- Place the boneless chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Ensure they are spread out evenly across the bottom of the cooker.
- Pour 1 cup of salsa over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. This will add flavor and moisture to the chicken as it cooks.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning evenly over the salsa-covered chicken. This will infuse the chicken with classic taco flavors.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will make the chicken tender and easy to shred.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be fully cooked and easily shred with a fork. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the salsa and seasoning.
- While the chicken is shredding, warm the 12 small tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or you can wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Once the tortillas are warmed, assemble your tacos. Place a generous amount of the shredded chicken mixture onto each tortilla.
- Top the chicken with 1 cup of shredded cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the chicken.
- Add sliced avocado on top for creaminess and flavor.
- Garnish each taco with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy your delicious slow cooker shredded chicken tacos!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and texture, opt for boneless chicken thighs. They stay moist and shred beautifully compared to chicken breasts.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to experiment with different types of salsa—mild, medium, or spicy—to tailor the heat level to your liking.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: The taco seasoning is key to infusing your chicken with that authentic taco flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Warming the tortillas is essential! This simple step makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. Use a skillet or oven for the best results.
- Top It Off: Get creative with toppings! Besides cheese and avocado, consider adding sour cream, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Make it a Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the tacos.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 470kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 100mg