Ah, the humble taco—an emblem of culinary delight that never fails to ignite excitement at the dinner table. Picture this: the aroma of slow-cooked chicken filling your kitchen, a scent that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a chilly autumn day. It’s as if your crock pot is whispering promises of dinner-time magic, a symphony of flavors set to unfold. Now, I don’t know about you, but in my world, tacos are a universal language, a dish that effortlessly bridges the gap between busy weeknights and the need for something deliciously satisfying.
Speaking of tacos, did you catch that viral video of the chicken taco dance-off? It was all over TikTok last week—hilarious! Anyway, back to these little bundles of joy. The ease of throwing ingredients into a crock pot, letting them mingle and marry all day long, is like a culinary fairy tale. And the best part? You can top them with anything your heart desires, from creamy avocado slices to a fiery splash of hot sauce.
Sometimes I think life should be as simple as a taco recipe—just layer your favorite things together and enjoy the ride. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not toss in some unexpected toppings, like a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color? After all, cooking should be fun, a playground for your taste buds. So, grab your ingredients, embrace the chaos of creativity, and let’s make taco night the highlight of your week.
Steps
- Mix salsa, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning together in a bowl to form a flavorful sauce.
- Arrange the chicken breasts and onions in the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over the top.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to cook until tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, then return it to the cooker to mix with the juices.
- Serve the shredded chicken in taco shells, on salads, over rice, or as a pizza topping, adding your favorite accompaniments.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salsa (1 ½ cups if not using canned tomatoes)
- Canned tomatoes
- Taco seasoning (homemade or one packet)
- Onion
Nutritional Values
Calories: 179 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1301mg | Potassium: 736mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1235IU | Vitamin C: 13.1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1.9mg
FAQ
- Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken as long as it is skinless. Just remember to remove the bones before shredding the chicken.
- What kind of taco seasoning is recommended for these chicken tacos?
- You can use either homemade taco seasoning to control the salt content or a store-bought packet if preferred. Both options work well in this recipe.
- How long should I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?
- Cook the chicken on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule.
- Can this shredded chicken be frozen for later use?
- Yes, once the chicken is shredded, it freezes well, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner solution.
- What are some good side dishes or toppings to serve with chicken tacos?
- These tacos pair well with corn or flour tortillas and can be served with cilantro tomato rice or cilantro lime rice. Popular toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, pico de gallo, cheese, olives, guacamole, jalapenos, and cilantro.
Tips
- For a healthier option and control over sodium levels, consider using homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought packets.
- If you prefer a heartier texture, bone-in, skinless chicken can be used instead of boneless breasts. Just remember to remove the bones before shredding.
- This recipe is highly versatile and can be used beyond tacos. Try incorporating the shredded chicken into enchiladas, burritos, or even as a topping for pizzas.
- Preparing a variety of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole allows everyone to customize their tacos, enhancing the dining experience.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot
