Shredded Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos!  These are so flavorful and easy to make.  Let the crockpot do the cooking, and when you are ready to eat, it's just a few minutes to put everything together.

This is the perfect meal to prepare when everyone has a different schedule. Or when you come home and must put dinner on the table in just a few minutes. Let the crockpot do the work before everyone gets home. Then, everyone can assemble their tacos with their favorite toppings. Another chicken family favorite is this Easy No Peek Chicken Recipe. It is easy and cooks on a bed of delicious rice!

If you prefer shredded beef, here is my recipe for a great slow cooker shredded beef, plus five ways you can serve it!

Why I love making these

• These are great for a busy day. Let the slow cooker do the work. Assemble your favorite toppings and have a flavorful and healthy meal for everyone.
• Is everyone on a different schedule? Sports practices can make having a sit-down dinner with everyone practically impossible. This is a perfect meal when everyone is running in a different direction. Everyone can help themselves to the shredded chicken and their favorite toppings.
• I stock up on chicken when it's on sale. This is the perfect way to make a big but inexpensive meal for the family.
• Picky eaters can choose their favorite toppings. It makes life easy!
• This is a great meal when having friends over to watch sports games. It's a nice change from chili.
• Slow cooker meals are great in the summer because they don't heat up the house. They are also great in the winter because it's a nice hot meal!

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (about 3 pounds). This is enough to cover the bottom of a full-sized slow cooker. I buy them when they are on sale and freeze them so that meals like this are inexpensive. Thaw before using.

1 package of your favorite taco seasoning. If using bulk or homemade taco seasoning, often 3 tablespoons is the equivalent of a packet.

Salsa. Use your favorite salsa from a jar (store-bought)

Pico de Gallo. This is a fresh salsa that is often sold in the deli department of a grocery store. It usually contains tomatoes, onions, peppers, lime juice, and cilantro.

Lime juice. The juice of ½ of a juicy larger lime is what is needed.

Tortillas - buy the small ones. They can either be corn or wheat.

Variations and Substitutions

If using only jarred salsa, use 2 cups instead of 1.

If using pico de gallo and no salsa, use 2 cups plus ½ cup of water. Pico de gallo is not as watery.

Any tortilla that you would like works. Recently, the smaller walking taco-size tortillas have been available at my grocery store. These would make a more appetizer-sized taco. Hard tacos are also a perfect option.

Topping suggestions

The best part of any taco is the toppings! My family favorites include:

• diced tomatoes
• shredded lettuce
• Pico de Gallo
• Salsa
• shredded cheddar cheese
• sour cream

Instructions

Step 1
Add salsa, pico de galla, taco seasoning, and lime juice into the bottom of the slow cooker and stir together.

Step 2
Add chicken breast. Make sure they are well covered with the salsa mixture. Just nestle them all in there. I can get them all in a layer on the bottom of the crock pot. If not, that's fine!

Step 3
Turn the crockpot on low and cook chicken for 4 - 6 hours.

At least ½ hour before serving, shred chicken either in the pot or remove, shred, and return to pot. There will be a fair amount of liquid in the slow cooker. Heat for approx. ½ hour. The shredded chicken will absorb the flavored liquid!

Helpful tips

I use my large serving forks to shred the chicken. The larger size makes shredding easier and quicker.

Prepare and assemble toppings while the shredded chicken is getting reheated. Place onto a tray so everyone can help themselves. I use ramekins or small bowls for most toppings to keep the liquids contained and for a neater look.

Other Easy Meat Based Meals

Recipe Printable

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Originally published January 12, 2014.