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Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos (No Salsa) Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos (No Salsa) Recipe

4.9 from 8 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for busy days, it uses a slow cooker to cook the chicken to perfection without any fuss. Whether you like your tacos with or without salsa, this versatile recipe allows you to customize with your favorite toppings for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Slow Cooker Taco Chicken

  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs

Optional Add at the End

  • 2 cups salsa of choice (jarred chunky salsa or any type)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Combine spices: In a small bowl, mix together granulated garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and kosher salt until well blended to create the seasoning mix.
  2. Prepare chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a 6-quart slow cooker. Using clean hands, rub the spice mixture evenly all over the chicken pieces to coat thoroughly.
  3. Cook chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker onto a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces or dice into small chunks as preferred.
  5. Drain and mix: Drain all but 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to retain moisture and flavor. Switch the slow cooker setting to warm, then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add fresh lime juice and salsa (if using), stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Heat through and serve: Let the chicken mixture warm through for about 3 to 5 minutes. Serve the chicken tacos with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will provide a richer flavor and moister texture.
  • If you prefer no salsa, simply omit it and add lime juice for a fresh tangy finish.
  • Adjust chili powder to your spice preference, especially if you want the recipe milder or spicier.
  • The cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve tacos with warm corn or flour tortillas for the best experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, no salsa chicken tacos, crockpot chicken tacos, Mexican chicken tacos