Juicy crock pot chicken tacos: the easiest 30-minute fiesta!
What To Know
- Heat the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle until warm and pliable.
- For a spicier flavor, add extra taco seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover chicken tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Mexican cuisine with our comprehensive guide on how to make chicken tacos in the convenience of your crock pot. This effortless method allows you to create tender, succulent chicken that pairs perfectly with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings. Follow our step-by-step instructions to master this culinary delight and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies, undrained
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly spray the crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the pot.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the black beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, and water. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Heat the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle until warm and pliable.
6. Assemble the Tacos: Place the desired amount of chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Top with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and salsa.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tacos
- For a spicier flavor, add extra taco seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use your favorite type of beans, such as pinto beans or kidney beans.
- Add other vegetables to the mixture, such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
- If you don’t have canned tomatoes, use 1 cup of fresh diced tomatoes.
- Serve the tacos with a side of sour cream and guacamole for extra flavor.
Variations
- Creamy Chicken Tacos: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream to the chicken mixture before serving.
- Spicy Chicken Tacos: Add 1/2 teaspoon of diced jalapeño to the chicken mixture.
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Use buffalo wing sauce instead of taco seasoning.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos: Use barbecue sauce instead of taco seasoning.
- Hawaiian Chicken Tacos: Top the tacos with pineapple and teriyaki sauce.
Health Benefits
Chicken tacos can be a healthy and nutritious meal. Chicken is a lean protein source, and the beans, corn, and tomatoes provide fiber and vitamins. The taco seasoning typically contains spices that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover chicken tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can use a slow cooker instead of a crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: What are some other topping ideas?
A: In addition to the suggested toppings, you can also add cilantro, avocado, or mango salsa to your tacos.
