Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you'll have a delicious filling ready in no time!
Transform your taco night with this easy slow cooker chicken taco filling. Simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy families.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken infused with delicious spices
- Perfectly seasoned for tacos, burritos, or salads
- Hands-off cooking for a stress-free meal
A Flavorful Meal in a Jar
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling packs a punch of flavor that will delight your taste buds. The combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and aromatic spices envelops the chicken, making each bite a fiesta of tastes. It's a perfect balance of heat and zest that enhances any taco night. Plus, with the addition of black beans and corn, you’re getting a nutritious meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can have everything prepped in just a few minutes. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. This means you can focus on other tasks or simply enjoy some well-deserved relaxation time while dinner cooks itself.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this chicken taco filling is its versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer spicy food, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. For a milder taste, you can use a low-sodium taco seasoning or homemade spices for better control over the flavor profile.
This filling is not just for tacos! Use it as a base for burritos, salads, or even nachos. The shredded chicken can also be enjoyed on its own or in a wrap for a healthy lunch option. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a staple in your weekly meal planning.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers from this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just reheat the filling in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you'll have a quick meal ready in minutes, perfect for lunch or dinner.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken taco filling. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as you normally would. This makes having homemade meals on hand incredibly easy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Taco Filling
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Feel free to add your favorite toppings when serving!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the slow cooker, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, salsa, taco seasoning, black beans, and corn.
Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure they are well-coated with the salsa and seasoning.
Cook the Filling
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 from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve
Serve the chicken taco filling in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious tacos!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this chicken taco filling, the options are endless. Warm tortillas are a must, but don’t forget about your favorite toppings! Add slices of ripe avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the dish. You can also include shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or a zesty lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor.
For a healthier twist, you can serve the filling over a bed of lettuce for a refreshing salad. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors of a taco without the extra carbs. Pair it with a side of black beans or a corn salad for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Nutritional Benefits
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Coupled with black beans, which are high in fiber, this dish helps keep you full and satisfied for longer periods, making it perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Additionally, the inclusion of corn and salsa provides important vitamins and minerals. Corn is rich in antioxidants, while salsa often contains tomatoes, onions, and peppers, all of which contribute to your daily intake of vegetables. This recipe is an excellent way to incorporate more nutrition into your meals without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Slow Cooking Success
To ensure the best results with your slow cooker chicken taco filling, make sure to follow a few simple tips. First, always layer your ingredients correctly, starting with the vegetables at the bottom and placing the meat on top. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb all the flavors from the spices and salsa.
It's also important to avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking, as this can significantly increase the cooking time. Trust the process! If you're looking for a quicker option, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6 hours. Just remember to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cook time by 1-2 hours.
→ What can I serve with this filling?
This chicken taco filling is great in tacos, burritos, salads, or served over rice.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning, this recipe is gluten-free.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you'll have a delicious filling ready in no time!
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Taco Filling
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How-To Steps
In the slow cooker, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, salsa, taco seasoning, black beans, and corn.
Place the 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 from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve the chicken taco filling in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 32g