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.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite after I tried it on a busy weeknight.

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

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

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.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Save to Pinterest

Our family loves gathering around the table to build their own tacos with all the fresh toppings.

Notes

For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Required Tools

Slow cooker, mixing bowl, forks for shredding, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using cheese or sour cream, and wheat if using flour tortillas. Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free meal and always check labels on packaged ingredients.

Save to Pinterest

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

This slow cooker shredded chicken taco recipe is perfect for busy nights and makes delicious leftovers.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for slow cooking?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used; thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Use a hot salsa variety or add cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before cooking to increase heat.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the shredded chicken keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated, making it ideal for meal prep.

→ What tortillas are recommended for gluten-free options?

Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for those avoiding gluten.

→ What are some good toppings to pair with the chicken?

Fresh shredded lettuce, cheese varieties, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges complement the flavors well.