Crock-Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos (Printable)

Slow-cooked shredded chicken with spices, served warm in tortillas for an easy, flavorful meal.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
02 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices

05 - 1 ½ tsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - ½ tsp dried oregano
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Sauce

11 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
12 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
13 - 1 tbsp lime juice

→ To Serve

14 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
15 - Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken thighs or drumsticks in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Scatter chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
03 - In a small bowl, blend chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle mixture evenly over chicken and aromatics.
04 - Pour diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and chicken broth over all ingredients in the slow cooker.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
06 - Remove chicken from the cooker, discard bones, and shred meat using two forks.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to combine, and incorporate lime juice.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm.
09 - Fill tortillas with shredded chicken and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Effortless slow-cooker method for hands-off cooking
  • Budget-friendly ingredients feed a crowd
02 -
  • To make gluten-free tacos, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas
  • Add a chopped chipotle in adobo for extra smoky heat
03 -
  • Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lighter version and reduce cooking time by 1 hour
  • Leftover shredded chicken works perfectly for quesadillas or burrito bowls
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