“Just three ingredients to the most tender, juicy, and delicious crockpot chicken tacos!”

Watch me make these crock pot chicken tacos from start to finish!


I will never forget when I got my first crockpot MANY years ago! It was a white Sunbeam slow cooker that I found on the clearance shelf at Walmart. Since the package was so busted up, it got marked down even more so basically I got the thing for free. Pretty sure it had been returned a few times, but I was just so excited to finally have a crockpot.

After trying a few recipes I found online, my verdict was in, I hated the thing. Everything I made turned out mushy and flavorless. So unimpressed!

I tucked it away for a few years and eventually pulled it out again to make this apple butter  After that, I  was in love but I learned two things:

  1. Not every dish should be made in the crockpot. Sometimes you just gotta know when to stop.
  2. When you find a good crockpot recipe, KEEP IT!

crockpot chicken tacos

 

I’ve gathered plenty of tried and true crock pot recipes over the years that really save the day when I’m super pressed for time.  Today I want to share this one for 3-ingredient crockpot chicken tacos! This recipe came from a booklet included with my crockpot and was one of the only successful ones in there. I’ve stuck with it ever since!

I almost didn’t post this recipe because well….it’s almost like cheating it’s so easy and well…it’s chicken taco meat, what’s the big deal! But then I thought about how many folks have taco night like every week and may be in need of a tried and true, ridiculously easy, recipe.  So here we are.

I can’t tell you how many busy afternoons I’ve tossed this recipe in the crockpot and patted myself on the back for pulling together such a delicious lunch. The crockpot really can make you feel like a multitasking super-mom-boss huh?

Looking for something easy to make for lunch or dinner?

crockpot chicken tacos recipe-2

Let’s Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos!

Crockpot Chicken Taco Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh salsa (Use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 envelop of taco seasoning *Use a natural one without msg or artificial ingredients. They taste so much better)
  • 1.5 lb. boneless chicken thighs
  • Fresh lime juice (optional)
  • Fresh  cilantro or parsley (optional)
  • Taco shells + your favorite taco toppings

    How to make Crockpot Chicken Taco

    1. In a large bowl, combine salsa and taco seasoning.
    2. Pour mixture into crockpot and spread out. (I use a 6-quart crockpot)
    3. Place chicken thighs on top of the sauce mixture and flip so that both sides of the thighs are coated.
    4. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook for 2 hours on high. (I prefer this over cooking at 4 hours on low. It seems to turn out juicer this way)
    5. When done, remove chicken from the crock pot and shred chicken with two forks.
    6. Spoon on some of the juices left over in the crock pot, but not too much unless you like a messy taco.
    7. Drizzle chicken with fresh lime and cilantro.
    8. Taste and add more seasonings if needed. (Be careful not to over-salt here. It’s easy to do when adjusting the salt on hot chicken. It’s best to let it cool a bit before tasting to adjust the salt or other spices)
    9. Serve immediately on your favorite taco shell and top with your favorite toppings.

crockpot chicken tacos recipe

Tips for making the BEST crockpot chicken taco:

1. Use your favorite fresh salsa!  A delicious, fresh salsa is important in this recipe since this will flavor the chicken so much. It’s important that you like it!  ( In a pinch, I’ve used a can of original Rotel)

2. Use chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are so doggone tender and flavorful. They make for the most tender shredded chicken tacos. Of course, you could also use boneless chicken breast, but thighs win every time for me.

3. Use a homemade or natural taco seasoning mix. If you are purchasing a store-bought taco seasoning mix, go with one without msg or anything artificial. It will make your tacos taste even better. Just check the ingredients lists on the back.

4. Add some cilantro and lime! Before serving add a splash of fresh lime juice and fresh cilantro or parsley. These two little additions really add a nice freshness and pop of color.


Seriously it doesn’t get any easier than throwing salsa, spices, and chicken into a crockpot and going on about your day! My family loves this recipe. While the chicken is simmering away in all those yummy spices, all you have to do is prep your toppings! I always like to fry up some flour tortillas so they’re hot and crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle. So good!

crockpot chicken tacos recipe-3

Homemade Taco Seasoning

This recipe uses a packet of store-bought taco seasoning for ease. Feel free to use homemade taco seasoning. Here is a sucker quick and easy taco seasoning recipe that can be adjusted to your tastebuds.

Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe:

  • 2 t. chili powder
  • 1 t. garlic powder
  • 1 t. onion powder
  • 1/2 t. paprika
  • 1/2 t. oregano
  • 1/2-1 t. cumin
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 1/4 t. black pepper

crockpot chicken tacos recipe best

Crockpot Chicken Taco Toppings

Once the chicken is done, all you have to do is add on your favorite toppings!  Here are a few taco topping ideas.

  • shredded lettuce
  • shredded cheese
  • fresh cilantro
  • sour cream
  • homemade guacamole or diced avocados
  • diced tomatoes or salsa
  • taco sauce
  • red onions
  • grilled corn
  • seasoned black beans
  • black olives

crockpot chicken tacos recipe

What to serve with Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Tacos can be a meal on their own since they are loaded with such a variety of fresh toppings! However, Mexican rice and seasoned black beans are usually my family’s taco side dishes of choice!

Other ways to use this crock pot chicken taco meat:

  • burrito bowls
  • Nachos
  • enchiladas
  • taco salad
  • lettuce wraps
  • quesadillas
  • Mexican pizza

FAQs

Can I use boneless skinless chicken breast for these crock-pot chicken tacos? Yes, however chicken thighs result in such a tender, flavorful crockpot chicken.

Does this recipe double/triple well? Yes, it sure does!

Is this recipe also able to be cooked on low for 4 hours? Yes, but I’ve found that high for 2 hours gives me the best results. Chicken thighs are thinner and don’t need much time in the crock pot. 4 hours on low produced a drier texture for me in my 6-quart crock pot.

 

Enjoy!!


crockpot chicken tacos

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos

5 from 6 ratings
Just 3-ingredients to the easiest, juicy, tender crockpot chicken tacos
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients
 

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup fresh salsa (use your favorite kind)
  • 1 packet taco seasonings mix (1 oz size packet)
  • 6 taco shells

TACO FIXING IDEAS

  • shredded lettuce
  • shredded cheese
  • diced tomatoes
  • sour cream
  • guacamole
  • diced red onions

GARNISH

  • fresh lime juice
  • fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, stir together salsa and taco seasoning until well combined.
  • Pour mixture into crock pot.
  • Add the chicken thighs, toss them in the mixture front and back, and place them in a single layer if possible.
  • Cover and cook on high for 2 hours (I've tried this on low for 4 hours, but I swear they seem less tender this way. Strange, I know.)
  • When ready to serve, remove chicken from the crock pot and shred (chicken will be very tender and will practically shred itself.)
  • Taste and season with any additional seasonings if desired. If extra salsa is in the crock pot, you can mix some into the chicken if desired. (Depending on the flavor of your salsa, you may have to add a bit of salt or other spices to suit your taste)
  • Drizzle chicken with fresh lime juice and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
  • Serve with your favorite taco toppings

Notes

Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe:
  • 2 t. chili powder
  • 1 t. garlic powder
  • 1 t. onion powder
  • 1/2 t. paprika
  • 1/2 t. oregano
  • 1/2-1 t. cumin
  • 1/2 t. salt 
  • 1/4 t. black pepper 
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Tried this recipe?Mention @divascancook on Instagram or tag #divascancook.