Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
A delicious and effortless recipe for chicken taco filling that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker.
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let the flavors meld together for a delightful meal that your whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender, juicy chicken infused with spices
- Perfectly seasoned for authentic taco flavor
- Minimal prep time with maximum flavor
The Perfect Taco Night
Taco night is a beloved tradition in many households, bringing family and friends together for a fun and flavorful meal. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free evening. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious dish that will impress everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken, zesty salsa, and spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that pairs perfectly with your favorite taco toppings.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill. You can easily customize the taco filling to cater to different tastes, making it an excellent choice for families with varying preferences. Set it and forget it, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you focus on enjoying the company around you.
Healthier Taco Option
Incorporating chicken into your taco filling not only provides a lean protein source but also keeps the dish on the healthier side compared to traditional ground beef options. This recipe includes nutrient-rich ingredients like black beans and corn, adding fiber and vitamins to your meal. By using fresh salsa and avoiding excess oils, you can keep the flavors vibrant without unnecessary calories.
Additionally, the use of whole ingredients means you control what goes into your taco filling, allowing you to avoid preservatives and artificial additives often found in pre-packaged options. This makes it a great choice for health-conscious eaters who still want to indulge in the deliciousness of tacos.
Versatile Serving Suggestions
One of the best aspects of this chicken taco filling is its versatility. While it’s fantastic in traditional tortillas, you can also serve it over rice for a hearty burrito bowl, or even on a bed of greens for a fresh taco salad. Feel free to get creative with your toppings as well; diced avocados, shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños all make excellent additions to your taco night spread.
For those looking to cater to dietary restrictions, consider offering gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps as a low-carb alternative. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this recipe a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this flavorful chicken taco filling:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can move on to the next steps.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your chicken taco filling:
Prepare the Ingredients
In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, salsa, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced onion. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with other ingredients.
Finish and Serve
Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve the taco filling in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Enjoy your delicious chicken tacos!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers after taco night, storing your chicken taco filling is a breeze. Simply allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to four days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors again without having to cook from scratch.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through. This ensures that you retain the juicy texture of the chicken.
Customization Ideas
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! You can easily swap out the chicken for turkey or even use a vegetarian protein like lentils or chickpeas for a meatless version. Experimenting with different types of salsas, such as mango or pineapple, can also add a unique twist to the flavor profile, enhancing your taco experience.
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of taco seasoning or opt for a mild salsa. This adaptability makes it a fun recipe to experiment with based on your flavor preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
→ What toppings can I add?
You can add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
A delicious and effortless recipe for chicken taco filling that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker.
Created by: Gwendolyn Reed
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
How-To Steps
In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, salsa, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced onion. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with other ingredients.
Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve the taco filling in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g