Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked in a slow cooker and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings—perfect for an easy and satisfying family meal.

This recipe has become a staple in my household for busy weeknights; it always pleases the whole family and requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Sauce & Seasonings: 1 cup (240 ml) tomato salsa (mild or medium, as preferred), 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Tacos: 12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• Optional Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend), ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1 avocado, sliced, ½ cup (80 g) diced tomatoes, ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro, Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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Step 1:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix together the salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3:

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.

Step 4:

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 5:

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker, stirring to combine with the sauce.

Step 6:

Warm the tortillas. Fill each with a generous portion of shredded chicken and your choice of toppings.

Step 7:

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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Preparing this dish always brings my family together around the table; everyone enjoys customizing their tacos with their favorite toppings.

Required Tools

Slow cooker, Mixing bowl, Forks (for shredding), Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (if using cheese or sour cream), Wheat (if using flour tortillas). For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and double-check labels on all packaged ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 25 g (per serving, without toppings)

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Keeps paper towels accessible for wiping spills, drying hands, and cleaning surfaces while cooking.

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These slow cooker shredded chicken tacos combine ease and flavor perfectly, making them ideal for any weeknight meal.

Common Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best for shredding?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well; thighs tend to be more tender and juicy after slow cooking.

→ How long should I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Yes, using hot salsa or adding cayenne pepper will increase the heat, while mild salsa will keep it milder.

→ What toppings complement the shredded chicken?

Common toppings include shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream or yogurt, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

→ Are corn tortillas suitable for this dish?

Corn tortillas are an excellent choice and make the dish gluten-free when used instead of flour tortillas.

→ How can leftovers be repurposed?

Leftover shredded chicken works great in burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas, or as a sandwich filling.