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.

Gwendolyn Reed

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:37:08.727Z

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.

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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.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 10 minutes

Created by: Gwendolyn Reed

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup salsa
  3. 1 packet taco seasoning
  4. 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  5. 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  6. 1/2 cup diced onion
  7. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  8. Juice of 1 lime

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, salsa, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced onion. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

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