Crockpot Chicken Tacos

$- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I love using chicken thighs for this dish. They stay moist and tender during cooking. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs give a richer flavor. - Taco seasoning options: You can use a store-bought taco seasoning packet. It saves time! If you want to make it from scratch, mix 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. This homemade blend adds a fresh taste. - Essential vegetables: Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. I always use a can (15 oz) and don’t drain it to keep the sauce flavorful. Frozen corn brings sweetness and texture, while a sliced bell pepper and onion give crunch and flavor. These veggies mix well with the chicken and spices. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. Spread them evenly for even cooking. 2. Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Make sure each piece gets a good coat of flavor. I use a packet for ease, but you can make a homemade blend, too! 3. Pour the can of diced tomatoes over the chicken. Do not drain the juices; they add great flavor. 4. Now layer in the frozen corn. Then, add the sliced bell pepper and onion on top. Arrange them nicely for a colorful mix. 5. Carefully pour the low-sodium chicken broth over everything. This keeps the chicken moist as it cooks. 6. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. 1. Cover your crockpot with its lid. If you set it on low, cook for 6-8 hours. For high, cook for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender. 2. When the cooking time is up, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Use two forks to pull it apart. This makes it mix well with the sauce and veggies. 3. To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into warm corn or flour tortillas. Top each taco with fresh cilantro and your choice of extras, like diced avocado, shredded lettuce, grated cheese, or sour cream. These steps give you a simple, flavorful meal that you can enjoy any night of the week! To keep your chicken moist and full of flavor, use low-sodium broth. It helps the chicken stay juicy as it cooks. Before you add the chicken to the crockpot, sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly. This ensures that every bite is packed with taste. For time-saving shortcuts, prep your veggies the day before. Slice the bell pepper and onion, and store them in the fridge. You can even measure out the taco seasoning ahead of time. This will make cooking easier on busy days. For a fun presentation, arrange the tacos on a big platter. Place colorful toppings in small bowls nearby. This gives everyone a chance to build their perfect taco. When it comes to toppings, think fresh. Diced avocado adds creaminess, while shredded lettuce gives crunch. Grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream can round out the flavor. Don’t forget lime wedges for a zesty finish! Pro Tips Use Thighs for Moisture: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts when slow-cooked, resulting in tender, juicy meat that won't dry out. Homemade Taco Seasoning: Making your own taco seasoning allows you to customize flavors and control the spice level to suit your taste. Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh bell peppers and onions for added crunch and flavor. Their natural sweetness complements the spices beautifully. Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest in the crockpot for a few minutes before shredding. This helps the flavors meld even more. {{image_4}} You can easily switch out the chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey works well and keeps it lean. You can also try ground beef for a heartier taste. Both options still cook nicely in the crockpot and absorb the flavors well. If you want a veggie-packed meal, consider using beans. Black beans or pinto beans add protein and fiber. You can also toss in more vegetables like zucchini or carrots. Just chop them small so they cook well with the chicken. Want to spice things up? Add jalapeños for a kick. You can also drizzle in some hot sauce while cooking. This gives the dish a nice heat that many enjoy. Try different seasoning blends for new tastes. Cajun seasoning adds a bold flavor, while barbecue seasoning gives a sweet and smoky twist. Mixing these blends with taco seasoning can create a unique taste that keeps everyone guessing and excited for dinner! To store leftover chicken taco mixture, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Cooked ingredients like chicken, corn, and veggies stay fresh for this time too. If you notice any strange smells or changes in color, toss it out. Always trust your senses for food safety. For freezing leftovers, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the flavor intact. You can freeze the chicken taco mixture for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place the mixture in a pot over low heat. Stir often until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you keep the juicy flavor and tender texture. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just add an extra hour to your cooking time. This ensures the chicken cooks through and stays juicy. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F to be safe. The best way to reheat leftover tacos is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the tacos on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the tortillas warm and the filling moist. You can also reheat in a microwave, but the tortillas may get soft. Yes, you can make these tacos gluten-free. Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Always check the taco seasoning packet for gluten-free labels if you use a store-bought option. Making your taco seasoning at home ensures it is gluten-free. This blog post covered how to create tasty chicken tacos. You learned about the best ingredients, like chicken thighs and fresh veggies. I explained easy cooking steps and tips for keeping chicken moist. You also saw ways to switch up flavors and store leftovers. In the end, you can make satisfying tacos that everyone will love. Grab your ingredients and enjoy the fun of cooking!$

Delicious and easy chicken tacos made in a crockpot, perfect for a family meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 packet taco seasoning
15 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 bell pepper sliced into thin strips
1 onion sliced into thin rings
to taste salt and pepper
as needed corn or flour tortillas for serving
as needed fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
optional diced avocado
optional shredded lettuce
optional grated cheese
optional sour cream

Instructions

Start by placing the boneless chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring they are spread evenly.
Generously sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
Pour the can of diced tomatoes (along with their juices) over the seasoned chicken, allowing the flavors to soak in.
Next, layer in the frozen corn, followed by the sliced bell pepper and onion, distributing them evenly across the top.
Carefully pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the entire mixture to keep it moist during cooking.
Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork when done.
Once the cook time is finished, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, mixing it well with the sauce and vegetables for incorporated flavor.
To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into warm corn or flour tortillas, garnishing each taco with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings you desire such as diced avocado, shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.

Notes

Arrange the tacos on a large serving platter, with vibrant toppings arranged in small bowls nearby so guests can create their perfect taco. Enhance the presentation by adding lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of zest.

Keyword chicken, crockpot, dinner, easy, tacos