Unlock a world of vibrant flavor with this incredibly easy, salsa-infused shredded chicken recipe, perfect for tacos and so much more. Prepared effortlessly in your Crock Pot, this dish promises tender, juicy chicken that’s both simple to make and unbelievably delicious!
The Ultimate Easy & Flavorful Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Are you constantly searching for innovative ways to elevate your favorite Mexican-inspired meals? Whether you’re assembling tacos, stacking tostadas, rolling burritos, or crafting a hearty taco salad, this Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken for Tacos is your new secret weapon. It’s designed to infuse your dishes with rich, savory flavor and an irresistible creamy texture, taking every bite to the next level. This truly is the quintessential “set it and forget it” recipe, requiring minimal effort for maximum taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Made with succulent chicken breasts, tangy salsa, robust taco seasoning, comforting cream of chicken soup, and a dollop of sour cream, this recipe creates a harmonious blend of ingredients that transforms into a taco filling everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about making delicious chicken; it’s about making your life easier in the kitchen. Here’s why this Crock Pot Shredded Chicken will quickly become a family favorite:
- Unbeatable Convenience: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and go about your day. No constant stirring, no worrying about overcooking.
- Mouth-Watering Tenderness: The slow cooking process breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy shredded chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
- Rich, Deep Flavor: By simmering the chicken in salsa, taco seasoning, and cream of chicken, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a complex and satisfying taste profile.
- Incredibly Versatile: While perfect for tacos, this shredded chicken can be used in a myriad of dishes, from burritos and enchiladas to salads and pasta, offering endless meal possibilities.
- Family-Friendly: With options to adjust the spice level, this recipe caters to all palates, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing chicken breasts (especially frozen ones) and common pantry staples makes this an economical choice for feeding a crowd.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Cook a large batch once, and enjoy flavorful, prepped protein for several meals throughout the week, saving you time and effort later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Using frozen chicken breasts is a fantastic and budget-friendly option for this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand, making your meal prep even simpler. Keep in mind that cooking frozen chicken will typically require an extra hour or two of cooking time compared to fresh chicken breasts to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature and are perfectly tender for shredding. One batch of this recipe, typically using 4-5 chicken breasts, will generously feed approximately 6 people, providing two servings each of this deliciously creamy chicken. Remember to opt for a mild salsa and taco seasoning if you’re serving individuals sensitive to spicy foods.
What’s the best type of chicken for shredding in this recipe?
While I personally prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein and mild flavor, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily substitute chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent dark meat option, or chicken tenderloins for a slightly quicker cooking time and delicate texture. If you lean towards white meat, chicken breasts or tenders are ideal. If you crave the deeper flavor and extra juiciness of dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully. Regardless of your choice, the slow cooker ensures a fall-apart tender result perfect for shredding.
Is there an easy trick to shredding cooked chicken?
Yes, there certainly is! For perfectly shredded chicken with minimal effort, here’s a game-changing tip: once your chicken is cooked and fall-apart tender, carefully transfer it to a sturdy mixing bowl. Then, using a hand-held electric mixer (or the paddle attachment on a stand mixer), start on a low speed and gradually increase it. The mixer will effortlessly shred the chicken in mere seconds, achieving a consistently fine texture that’s hard to replicate with just two forks. This method is especially useful when preparing larger batches or when you prefer a very finely shredded chicken for dishes like enchiladas or casseroles. If you don’t have a mixer, two forks still work wonders – simply pull them apart in opposite directions.
Can I adapt this recipe for other types of meat?
Absolutely! The flavor profile of this slow cooker method is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for other meats. For a robust beef option, you can try my Crock Pot Shredded Beef for Tacos recipe. Pork shoulder (carnitas style) would also be an excellent choice, yielding incredibly tender and flavorful shredded pork for tacos or sandwiches. The core principle of slow cooking with salsa and seasonings translates well across different proteins, just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the type and size of the cut you choose.
How should I serve this Crock Pot Shredded Chicken?
The possibilities are truly endless for serving this versatile shredded chicken! Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Classic Tacos: Warm up corn or flour tortillas (essential for pliability and preventing tearing) and fill them with the chicken. Garnish with classic toppings like chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or crumbled cotija cheese for an authentic touch.
- Burritos and Burrito Bowls: Wrap the chicken in large flour tortillas with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite salsa. For a healthier option, serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa with all your preferred burrito toppings in a bowl.
- Taco Salads: Create a vibrant and refreshing meal by serving the chicken over mixed greens with diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, and a creamy dressing. It’s also phenomenal in a Dorito Taco Salad!
- Enchiladas: This creamy chicken filling is perfect for making luscious Chicken Enchiladas. Just roll the chicken in tortillas, top with sauce and cheese, and bake.
- Quesadillas: Layer the shredded chicken with cheese between two tortillas and cook until golden and melty for quick and satisfying Taco Quesadillas.
- Pasta Dishes: For a unique twist, stir the cooked chicken into a pound of hot rotini or penne pasta right in the slow cooker. It creates an incredible, creamy chicken pasta meal that’s surprisingly delicious!
- Casseroles: Incorporate it into hearty baked dishes like a Doritos Taco Casserole for an easy, comforting dinner.
- Specialty Creations: Use it to fill Fiesta Taco Braids, make easy Taco Spaghetti, or as the star of Doritos Walking Tacos.
Remember, warming your tortillas (either in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven) is a crucial step to make them pliable and prevent them from tearing when loaded with this flavorful filling and your chosen toppings.
How should I store leftover shredded chicken?
Storing your leftover shredded chicken properly ensures its freshness and makes it excellent for future meals. Any unused chicken should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for 4 to 5 days. For longer storage, this recipe freezes beautifully! Place the cooled shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems a bit dry.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Shredded Chicken
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create a truly spectacular dish. (Find the full, detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of our dish! Fresh or frozen will work perfectly. You can also opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat for a richer flavor and even juicier result. Aim for 4-5 medium-to-large breasts.
- Salsa: This is where much of the flavor infusion comes from. You can use any heat level you prefer – mild, medium, or hot salsa will work. My personal favorites for consistent flavor and quality are Herdez (mild) or Pace Picante as a reliable backup. While Rotel can be used in a pinch, I find that a good quality salsa provides a more complex and satisfying depth of flavor for this particular dish.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient is key to achieving that wonderfully creamy texture and helps to keep the chicken incredibly juicy during the long cooking process. It also adds a subtle layer of savory chicken flavor. If you prefer to avoid canned versions, I highly recommend trying my homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe. A homemade Cream of Mushroom soup could also be a substitute, but the chicken version complements the overall profile better.
- Taco Seasoning: This packet of magic brings all the classic Mexican-inspired spices to the forefront. Use your favorite store-bought brand, or for a fresher, customizable blend, whip up your own homemade taco seasoning mix. Adjust the amount to your taste and desired spice level.
- Sour Cream: Added at the end, sour cream provides a delightful tang and contributes significantly to the dish’s signature creamy richness. For a lighter alternative, plain Greek yogurt can be used, or for an authentic Mexican touch, consider Crema Mexicana. If dairy isn’t your preference, you can omit it, but be aware that the chicken won’t have the same luxuriously creamy consistency seen in the images.
How to Make Crock Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this flavorful shredded chicken is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly hands-off and delicious meal.
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your 5-6 quart oval slow cooker with a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent the chicken and sauce from sticking, making cleanup a breeze. Arrange your boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the chicken breasts. Ensure each piece is well-coated, as this forms the foundational layer of flavor for our dish.
Step 3: Combine and Pour the Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup with the cup of salsa. Stir these two ingredients together thoroughly until they are well integrated and form a smooth, uniform sauce. Carefully pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged and coated by the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set the cooking temperature to LOW and cook for approximately 6-7 hours. The exact cooking time can vary based on several factors: the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, whether they are fresh or frozen (frozen chicken will require an additional 1-2 hours), and the efficiency of your slow cooker model. Newer slow cookers tend to run hotter than older models, potentially shortening the cooking time. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred easily. If you have an older model, it might take up to 8 hours or a bit longer.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and fork-tender, you have a couple of options for shredding. You can either carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them in a separate mixing bowl to shred with two forks or an electric hand mixer (as detailed in our FAQ section for finely shredded chicken). Alternatively, for ultimate convenience, you can shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, right in the savory sauce. Choose the method that is easiest and most comfortable for you – no need to make extra work!
Step 6: Incorporate Sour Cream & Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the pot (if you removed it). Add the ½ cup of sour cream and stir everything together thoroughly until the sour cream is fully incorporated, creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats all the chicken. At this point, you can turn off your slow cooker or switch it to the “keep warm” setting until you are ready to serve. Give it one final good stir, and your flavor-packed Crock Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos is ready to be enjoyed in countless delicious ways!
Beyond tacos, remember you can easily add cooked rotini or penne pasta (a 1-pound box works well) directly to the slow cooker once the chicken is done. Stir it well, and you’ll have an amazing, creamy pasta meal! Or simply serve in warm, soft tortilla shells, crunchy taco shells, or as the star of a vibrant salad. Enjoy!
Tips for Success & Variations
- Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time.
- Adjust Spice: If you love heat, use a hot salsa and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño along with the taco seasoning. For milder tastes, stick with mild salsa and seasoning.
- Add a Smoky Flavor: For an extra layer of depth, add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced) along with the salsa.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with the sour cream for an even creamier, cheesy texture.
- Fresh Herbs: A generous handful of fresh cilantro stirred in at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the chicken for added flavor and nutrients.
Craving More Easy & Delicious Recipes?
If you loved this effortless slow cooker chicken, you’ll want to explore these other fantastic recipes:
- Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef
- Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Tacos
- Hillbilly Tacos
- White Chicken Enchiladas
- Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken Taco Pizza
- Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Crock Pot French Onion Chicken
- Taco Rice
- One Pot Taco Spaghetti
- Chicken Chimichangas
- Copycat Chili’s Salsa
- White Chicken Enchiladas For Two
- 10 Crock Pot Mississippi Recipes
Originally published: May 2012
Updated and republished: February 2024
Crock Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
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Ingredients
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (if large, use 4)
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 5-6 quart oval slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crock pot. Sprinkle 1 packet taco seasoning on chicken.
- In a bowl, combine 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup with 1 cup salsa. Pour mixture evenly over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- When chicken is ready, take chicken out and shred with two forks. Put shredded chicken back in the pot.
- Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream.
- At this point you can turn off your slow cooker or put it on the “keep warm” setting. Stir and serve in warm tortillas, crunchy tacos or in a taco salad!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 7g |
Protein: 18g |
Fat: 8g |
Sodium: 846mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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