Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked in a slow cooker and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings—perfect for an easy and satisfying family meal.

This recipe became a family favorite because of how simple it is to make and the rich flavors that develop after slow cooking. I love how versatile the toppings are so everyone can customize their tacos exactly how they like them.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Sauce & Seasonings: 1 cup (240 ml) tomato salsa (mild or medium as preferred), 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Tacos: 12 small corn or flour tortillas warmed
• Optional Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend), ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1 avocado sliced, ½ cup (80 g) diced tomatoes, ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro, Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Step 1:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix together the salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3:

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.

Step 4:

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 5:

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker, stirring to combine with the sauce.

Step 6:

Warm the tortillas. Fill each with a generous portion of shredded chicken and your choice of toppings.

Step 7:

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Save

We enjoy assembling these tacos together as a family, each choosing their favorite toppings and sharing stories around the dinner table.

Required Tools

Slow cooker, mixing bowl, forks for shredding, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Milk if using cheese or sour cream, Wheat if using flour tortillas. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and verify all labels on packaged ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Per serving without toppings: 210 calories, 5 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 25 g protein.

Save

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

This recipe brings together simplicity and bold flavors for a meal everyone will love.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of chicken works best for slow cooking?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal as they shred easily after slow cooking and absorb flavors well.

→ How long should I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred.

→ Can I customize the spice level?

Yes, use mild or medium salsa and add cayenne pepper for extra heat according to your taste.

→ What are some suitable toppings to serve with this dish?

Common options include shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.

→ How can I keep this dish gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and verify that all packaged ingredients have no gluten content.

→ Is leftover shredded chicken versatile for other meals?

Absolutely, leftovers can be incorporated into burrito bowls, salads, or quesadillas for quick variations.