Description
Experience the easiest slow cooker pulled chicken tacos with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken simmered in salsa and taco spices. Ready in just minutes of prep and slow-cooked for hours to develop rich, saucy flavors, these tacos come alive with colorful peppers and your favorite toppings for a delicious American-Mexican fusion lunch or main course.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound chicken breasts or chicken thighs, boneless, skinless (about four breasts)
- 2 cups chunky salsa or Easy Homemade Tomato Salsa
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (about one package)
- 2 cups sliced peppers (green, yellow, orange, or red)
Tortillas
- 8 soft flour tortillas
Optional Toppings
- Chopped lettuce
- Shredded cheese (your favorite)
- Sour cream
- Avocados, sliced or diced, or guacamole
- Chopped or diced jalapeno pepper
- Thinly sliced green onion
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the bottom of the large slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the chicken and seasoning: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken pieces to infuse flavor.
- Add salsa: Pour 1 ½ cups of chunky salsa evenly over the seasoned chicken, which helps keep the chicken moist and adds vibrant taste during cooking.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-3 ½ hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken inside the slow cooker using two forks, or transfer to a cutting board to shred. This creates the perfect pulled chicken texture for tacos.
- Add sliced peppers: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker if removed, then add the sliced peppers on top. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Heat through: Cook on high with the lid on for about 10 minutes to soften peppers slightly and heat the mixture thoroughly.
- Assemble the tacos: Spoon approximately ⅔ cup of the chicken and pepper mixture onto the center of each soft flour tortilla. Add your preferred optional toppings such as lettuce, cheese, sour cream, avocado, jalapenos, or green onion.
- Fold the tortillas: Fold the bottom end of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides leaving the top open. Secure with a toothpick if desired to hold the taco together.
Notes
- Add more mix-ins: For additional flavor and nutrition, include ingredients like jalapenos, green onions, onions, corn, olives, or pico de gallo.
- Make it healthier: Swap regular flour tortillas with protein tortillas or lettuce leaves to reduce carbs. Adding beans can increase fiber and extend the dish.
- Top with lime juice: A fresh squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens and elevates the taco flavors.
- Experiment with cheese: Use classic cheddar or Mexican cheese blends, or try feta or cotija cheese. Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier topping alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
