Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy homemade tacos with minimal effort.
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is perfect for busy weeknights! Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that’s ideal for tacos, burritos, or even salads!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless meal prep with minimal clean-up
- Tender and juicy chicken bursting with flavor
- Versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or salads
The Perfect Taco Night
Taco night is a beloved tradition in many households, and this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling makes it simpler than ever. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you can create a flavorful filling that your family will love. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can use it for tacos, burritos, or even salads. No matter how you serve it, you'll have a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it allows for customization. You can add your favorite toppings such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to elevate the flavors. Each person can build their taco just the way they like it, making it a fun and interactive dining experience for family and friends.
Why Slow Cooking Works Wonders
Slow cooking is a fantastic method for achieving tender, juicy meat without much effort. The low and slow approach allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors from the ingredients you add, resulting in a rich and savory filling. Plus, you don’t have to watch the pot; simply set it and forget it until mealtime.
Additionally, using a slow cooker means less cleanup. Instead of multiple pots and pans, everything cooks together in one vessel, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup afterward. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when hosting friends and family.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best results with your chicken taco filling, consider using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh chicken breasts will yield the best texture and flavor. If you want to add more veggies, consider throwing in bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Remember to shred the chicken thoroughly after cooking; this allows the meat to absorb more of the salsa and seasoning, enhancing the overall taste. You can also adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or spicy salsa, depending on your family's preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Taco Filling
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, black beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
Add the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure they are well coated with the salsa and seasoning.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the other ingredients.
Serve
Serve the taco filling warm in taco shells or tortillas, and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken taco filling is incredibly versatile. Serve it in soft or crunchy taco shells, or use it as a filling for burritos or enchiladas. You can also lay it over a bed of greens for a refreshing taco salad. Pair it with side dishes like Mexican rice or tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Don’t forget to set out a variety of toppings for your guests to choose from. Chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and jalapeños can all add a burst of flavor and texture. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider offering hot sauce or pickled jalapeños on the side.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover chicken taco filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious tacos all week long. Just reheat the filling in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through before serving.
If you have an excess of filling, consider freezing it for later use. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning.
→ Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this in an Instant Pot by using the pressure cook setting for about 15 minutes.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy homemade tacos with minimal effort.
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Taco Filling
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
How-To Steps
In the slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, black beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure they are well coated with the salsa and seasoning.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the other ingredients.
Serve the taco filling warm in taco shells or tortillas, and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g