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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos for Summer Nights

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These slow cooker chicken tacos are the perfect summer dinner: tender, flavorful shredded chicken made with minimal prep and simple pantry ingredients. Set it and forget it for a crowd-pleasing meal that even taco skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 pound (450 grams) chicken thighs (optional but recommended)
  • 10 ounces (283 grams) canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mix the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken, rubbing it into every surface.
  3. Layer the aromatics: Place the diced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading into an even layer.
  4. Add the chicken and tomatoes: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the diced tomatoes with green chiles over the chicken, then pour the chicken broth around the edges.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
  6. Shred the chicken: Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or bowl. Shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the juices. Stir and let sit on warm for 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. Finish with lime and cilantro: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with oil before adding to the slow cooker. Don’t open the lid during cooking. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding. Warm tortillas properly: wrap in damp paper towels and microwave 30-45 seconds, or char over a gas flame.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, summer tacos, shredded chicken tacos, slow cooker tacos, chicken taco recipe

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-slow-cooker-chicken-tacos-for-summer-nights/