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 taco night. Perfectly seasoned chicken slowly cooks to tender perfection, making it a family favorite.
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is ideal for busy weeknights. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The result is a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with your favorite taco shells or tortillas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Minimal prep time for busy weeknights
- Tender, juicy chicken bursting with flavor
- Versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or salads
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a fantastic method that allows flavors to meld beautifully while your meal cooks unattended. This technique is perfect for busy families, as you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other tasks. The low, gentle heat ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender, while the vegetables become sweet and flavorful as they cook down.
Additionally, slow cooking is an energy-efficient way to prepare meals. It often uses less energy than traditional cooking methods, making it a more environmentally friendly option. By utilizing a slow cooker, you can create meals that not only taste great but also save you money on your energy bill.
Perfect Pairings
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and toppings. Consider serving it with fresh guacamole, zesty lime wedges, or a sprinkle of cilantro to elevate your taco night. For those looking for a crunch, shredded lettuce or crispy tortilla strips provide a delightful texture contrast.
You can also transform this filling into a hearty burrito or a satisfying salad. Just pile it on top of mixed greens, add some diced avocado, and drizzle with your favorite dressing for a quick and nutritious meal. The possibilities are endless!
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the great advantages of this chicken taco filling is how well it stores and reheats. If you’re meal prepping for the week, simply double the recipe and divide it into containers for quick lunches or dinners. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the leftovers even more delicious than the first time around.
To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can easily transform it into a variety of meals throughout the week, keeping your dining options exciting without the hassle of cooking from scratch each time.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the perfect chicken taco filling:
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now that you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your chicken taco filling:
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Add Vegetables and Beans
Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, black beans, and corn to the slow cooker.
Mix in Salsa and Seasoning
Pour the salsa over the mixture and sprinkle the taco seasoning on top. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Cook the Filling
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
Shred and Serve
Using two forks, shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Mix everything well and serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Enjoy your delicious chicken tacos!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tacos
To ensure your chicken stays moist and flavorful, avoid overcooking it. The slow cooker works its magic, but monitoring the cooking time is essential. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it's ready to be shredded and enjoyed.
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices or lime juice before placing it in the slow cooker. This extra step can enhance the taste and make your tacos even more delicious.
Customizing Your Recipe
Feel free to customize this recipe according to your taste preferences. You can add extra spices like cumin or chili powder for a bit more heat, or include additional vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition.
If you're looking to make this dish even healthier, consider using lean turkey or plant-based protein as a substitute for the chicken. This will still give you a hearty filling while catering to different dietary preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What toppings can I use?
Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
→ Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy taco night. Perfectly seasoned chicken slowly cooks to tender perfection, making it a family favorite.
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, black beans, and corn to the slow cooker.
Pour the salsa over the mixture and sprinkle the taco seasoning on top. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
Using two forks, shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Mix everything well and serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g