Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked in a slow cooker and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings—perfect for an easy and satisfying family meal.

I love how this recipe simplifies meal prep and brings the family together around the table every time.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Sauce & Seasonings: 1 cup (240 ml) tomato salsa (mild or medium as preferred), 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Tacos: 12 small corn or flour tortillas warmed
• Optional Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar Monterey Jack or Mexican blend), ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1 avocado sliced, ½ cup (80 g) diced tomatoes, ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges for serving

Instructions

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Step 1:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix together the salsa chili powder cumin smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken ensuring all pieces are well-coated.

Step 4:

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 5:

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks Return the shredded chicken to the cooker stirring to combine with the sauce.

Step 6:

Warm the tortillas Fill each with a generous portion of shredded chicken and your choice of toppings.

Step 7:

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.

Check price on Amazon

Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish always sparks joy when my family gathers and enjoys a casual meal together.

Required Tools

Slow cooker Mixing bowl Forks (for shredding) Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (if using cheese or sour cream) Wheat (if using flour tortillas) For gluten-free use corn tortillas and double-check labels on packaged ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 5 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 25 g per serving without toppings.

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Season soups, salads, meats, and vegetables evenly while cooking with quick, one-handed grinding.

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Enjoy these slow cooker chicken tacos for a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the chicken cook for best tenderness?

Cook the chicken on low for about 6 hours or on high for 4 hours to ensure it reaches optimal tenderness for shredding.

→ Can thighs be used instead of breasts?

Yes, both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well, but thighs may result in slightly juicier meat.

→ What types of tortillas are recommended?

Small corn or flour tortillas work best; corn tortillas make the dish gluten-free if needed.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Use hot salsa or add about ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture for extra heat.

→ What are some good topping options?

Popular additions include shredded lettuce, cheese varieties, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

→ Can leftovers be repurposed?

Leftover shredded chicken can be used in salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, or other dishes for convenient meals.