One busy morning I knew I needed something quick but delicious for dinner and I had some chicken in the fridge and a jar of salsa on the counter so I tossed them into the crockpot with a few spices and hoped for the best. That evening when I opened the lid the aroma alone had me rushing to grab tortillas and before I knew it I had the easiest and tastiest tacos on the table.

Now crockpot chicken tacos are one of my favorite go-to meals and they’re juicy flavorful and beyond simple to make and I love how they can be dressed up or down and still feel like a win every time.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Boneless skinless chicken breasts – The main protein that turns perfectly tender and shreds easily
Salsa – Adds moisture and bold flavor while creating a built-in sauce
Taco seasoning – Brings all the classic spices for a rich taco flavor
Garlic powder – Adds depth and enhances the savoriness
Onion powder – Rounds out the seasoning with a touch of sweetness
Lime juice – Brightens the finished dish and adds a little zip
Tortillas – The base for serving your chicken taco filling
Fresh cilantro – For garnish and freshness

Tools You’ll Need

Crockpot or slow cooker – For gently cooking the chicken low and slow
Forks – To shred the chicken once it’s cooked and tender
Measuring spoons – For seasoning accurately
Tongs – For assembling and serving the tacos
Knife and cutting board – For chopping cilantro or other toppings
Spoon or ladle – To scoop the shredded chicken and sauce into tortillas

Instructions

Step 1:

I begin by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot and spreading the salsa evenly over the top

Step 2:

Then I sprinkle in the taco seasoning garlic powder and onion powder and I give it a little stir to coat the chicken

Step 3:

I cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred

Step 4:

Once it’s cooked I shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks and stir everything together so the meat soaks up all the flavorful juices

Step 5:

Right before serving I squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir one last time

Step 6:

I scoop the chicken into warm tortillas and top with chopped cilantro and any other toppings I like

Tips

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier result

Double the recipe and freeze half for another taco night

Let guests build their own tacos with toppings like avocado, cheese, or slaw

Ways to Serve

Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings

Pile on nachos or rice bowls for a fun twist

Use leftovers in quesadillas, enchiladas, or taco salads

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for crockpot chicken tacos?

Yes just be sure to add extra cooking time and check that it reaches a safe internal temperature

What salsa works best for this recipe?

I like chunky mild or medium salsa but you can use spicy or even pineapple or verde salsa for different flavors

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or skillet

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these crockpot chicken tacos and find them as delicious and easy as I do and they’re a go-to for busy nights and perfect for feeding a crowd or just making taco night extra simple. Let me know what fun toppings you add and how your tacos turn out!

Happy Cooking!