Are you tired of the same old boring meals? Look no further! Slow cooker chicken tacos are a game-changer. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make slow cooker chicken tacos that will leave your taste buds dancing.
The Benefits of Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the benefits of slow cooker chicken tacos. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this dish:
- Convenience: Slow cooker chicken tacos are incredibly easy to make. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Flexibility: You can customize your slow cooker chicken tacos to your liking. Add your favorite toppings, use different types of cheese, or try various seasonings.
- Cost-effective: Slow cooker chicken tacos are a budget-friendly meal option. You can make a large batch of tacos for a fraction of the cost of eating out.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make slow cooker chicken tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 6-8 tacos shells
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, diced tomatoes
Equipment needed:
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
The first step in making slow cooker chicken tacos is to prepare the chicken and vegetables. Here’s what you need to do:
- Cut the chicken into small pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Add the chicken, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Adding the Taco Seasoning and Canned Goods
Next, you’ll add the taco seasoning and canned goods to the slow cooker. Here’s what you need to do:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and vegetables.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and black beans to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together to combine.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
Now it’s time to cook the chicken and vegetables. Here’s what you need to do:
- Cook the chicken and vegetables on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- When the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, use two forks to shred the chicken.
Assembling the Tacos
The final step in making slow cooker chicken tacos is to assemble the tacos. Here’s what you need to do:
- Warm the tacos shells according to the package instructions.
- Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into the tacos shells.
- Top with shredded cheese and your desired toppings.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making slow cooker chicken tacos:
- Use different types of cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the slow cooker.
- Try different types of protein: You can also make slow cooker chicken tacos with ground beef or carnitas (slow-cooked pork).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker chicken tacos:
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s tender, but not overcooked.
- Not using enough taco seasoning: Use enough taco seasoning to give the chicken and vegetables plenty of flavor.
- Not warming the tacos shells: Warm the tacos shells according to the package instructions to give them a crispy texture.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal option. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make mouth-watering tacos that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give slow cooker chicken tacos a try, and experience the convenience and flavor of this amazing dish.
Get Creative with Your Tacos
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your tacos. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Korean BBQ tacos: Add some Korean BBQ sauce to the slow cooker for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Veggie tacos: Use roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, in place of the chicken.
- Breakfast tacos: Add some scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon to the slow cooker for a breakfast twist.
With these ideas and the step-by-step guide above, you’ll be able to make delicious slow cooker chicken tacos that will become a staple in your household.
What are the main ingredients required for slow cooker chicken tacos?
The main ingredients required for slow cooker chicken tacos include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, taco seasoning, and tortillas. You will also need shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other taco toppings you prefer. The ingredients are easily available at most grocery stores and can be adjusted according to your personal taste preferences.
You can customize the ingredients based on your dietary needs and preferences. For example, you can use low-sodium taco seasoning or opt for gluten-free tortillas. Additionally, you can add other ingredients such as diced bell peppers, jalapenos, or sour cream to give your tacos extra flavor.
How long does it take to prepare slow cooker chicken tacos?
Preparing slow cooker chicken tacos is relatively quick and easy. It takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and add them to the slow cooker. You can then cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This makes it an ideal meal option for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Once the chicken is cooked, you can shred it and add your desired toppings. You can also prepare the toppings in advance, such as chopping the lettuce and shredding the cheese. This way, you can assemble the tacos quickly and easily when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for slow cooker chicken tacos?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for slow cooker chicken tacos. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen chicken breasts will take longer to cook than fresh chicken breasts. It’s recommended to cook frozen chicken breasts on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
It’s also important to note that frozen chicken breasts may release more moisture than fresh chicken breasts, which can affect the texture of the tacos. To avoid this, you can pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel before adding them to the slow cooker.
How can I make slow cooker chicken tacos spicy?
There are several ways to make slow cooker chicken tacos spicy. One option is to add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the slow cooker with the chicken. You can also add a spicy taco seasoning or use hot sauce to give the chicken extra heat.
Another option is to top the tacos with spicy toppings such as diced onions, sour cream, or salsa. You can also add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to the tacos for extra heat. If you prefer a milder heat, you can start with a small amount of spicy ingredients and adjust to taste.
Can I make slow cooker chicken tacos in advance?
Yes, you can make slow cooker chicken tacos in advance. One option is to cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. You can then reheat the chicken and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to serve.
Another option is to prepare the toppings in advance, such as chopping the lettuce and shredding the cheese. You can also cook the tortillas in advance and store them in an airtight container. This way, you can assemble the tacos quickly and easily when you’re ready to serve.
How can I serve slow cooker chicken tacos?
Slow cooker chicken tacos can be served in a variety of ways. One option is to serve them in a taco shell with your desired toppings. You can also serve them in a bowl with tortilla chips, salsa, and sour cream.
Another option is to serve slow cooker chicken tacos as a taco bar with all the fixings. This way, everyone can assemble their own tacos with their desired toppings. You can also serve slow cooker chicken tacos with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
Are slow cooker chicken tacos healthy?
Slow cooker chicken tacos can be a healthy meal option depending on the ingredients you use. Chicken breasts are a lean protein source, and when cooked with vegetables and spices, they can be a nutritious and flavorful meal.
However, the healthiness of slow cooker chicken tacos also depends on the toppings you use. If you load up on cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips, the calorie count can add up quickly. To make slow cooker chicken tacos healthier, opt for low-fat toppings and plenty of vegetables. You can also use whole wheat tortillas or serve the tacos in a bowl with brown rice and beans.