Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken (Printer view)

Savory shredded chicken cooked slowly with spices, served warm in tortillas with fresh toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Sauce & Seasonings

02 - 1 cup mild or medium tomato salsa
03 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Tacos

10 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed

→ Optional Toppings

11 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
12 - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
13 - ½ cup sour cream
14 - 1 avocado, sliced
15 - ½ cup diced tomatoes
16 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
17 - Lime wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken breasts or thighs in the base of the slow cooker.
02 - Combine salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
03 - Pour sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring thorough coating.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
05 - Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir to incorporate with sauce.
06 - Heat tortillas until warm and pliable.
07 - Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded chicken and desired toppings, serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
  • Perfectly tender & flavorful chicken
02 -
  • Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option
  • Leftover chicken can be repurposed for other dishes like quesadillas or burrito bowls
03 -
  • Cook the chicken on low for the most tender results
  • Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil before serving
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