– **Title**: The Best Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 12 small corn or flour tortillas
– Toppings (optional):
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced tomatoes
– Shredded cheese
– Sour cream
– Avocado or guacamole
– Fresh cilantro
– **Instructions**:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, followed by the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable.
4. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the cooking liquid in the crockpot to absorb flavor.
5. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the shredded chicken in each tortilla, and add your favorite toppings.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious shredded chicken tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe since they shred easily. If you’re in a hurry, consider using rotisserie chicken instead! Already cooked, it can save time on busy days.
Chicken Broth: This adds flavor and moisture. You can use homemade broth or store-bought. If you want a low-sodium option, there are many brands available. Even vegetable broth works great if you’re in a pinch!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought mixes are convenient, but homemade seasoning is often healthier. Try a mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust the spices to your taste. I love adding a pinch of cayenne for a little kick!
Onion and Garlic: A medium onion and garlic cloves give a wonderful flavor boost. Use shallots or garlic powder if you don’t have fresh ones. Just be mindful of the ratios when substituting!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley can substitute. For a different flavor, try avocado or pickled jalapeños as toppings!
How Do You Get the Chicken Shredded Perfectly?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s fairly simple! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After cooking, leave the chicken in the crockpot with the juices. This keeps it moist.
- Using two forks, gently pull apart the chicken in the crockpot. Start at one end and shred in a back-and-forth motion.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the broth to soak up all that delicious flavor, and add salt and pepper to your liking!
Don’t rush this step! The more shredded, the better it will sit in your tacos. Enjoy!
The Best Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade seasoning)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream (for topping)
For Serving:
- 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let the crockpot do its magic for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth to keep everything nice and moist. Then, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Don’t forget to add the diced onion and minced garlic on top for flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with the lid. Now, it’s time to let it cook! You can set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred with a fork.
3. Shred and Season:
Once your chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This lets the chicken soak up all the delicious juices. Give it a taste, and if you think it needs a little more flavor, add some salt and pepper to your liking!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is soaking up all those flavors, warm up your tortillas! You can do this either in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Warm tortillas are key to delicious tacos!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a warmed tortilla and add a generous portion of shredded chicken. Top it off with diced tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro, and a nice dollop of sour cream. Yum!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. Enjoy every bite of your scrumptious crockpot shredded chicken tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just place the frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot, and add the chicken broth and seasoning as you normally would. However, increase the cooking time to about 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high, ensuring it’s fully cooked before shredding.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own taco seasoning with common spices. Mix together 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spices based on your taste preferences.
How to Store Leftover Shredded Chicken?
Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave, adding a little moisture to prevent drying out.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can add sliced jalapeños for spice, avocado for creaminess, or even shredded cheese. Use any toppings you prefer to make your tacos unique and enjoyable!
