Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos

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Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos

Looking for a flavorful, hands-off dinner idea the whole family will love? These Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos are the perfect weeknight solution! Juicy, tender shredded chicken is slow-cooked with salsa and taco seasoning until melt-in-your-mouth delicious, then served in warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings. With minimal prep and big flavor, this easy taco recipe will become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 369 kcal per serving

Ingredients

  • 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (16 oz) jar thick salsa (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack work great)
  • 1 package corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. Layer the slow cooker:
    Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken, then pour the salsa on top.
  2. Cook:
    Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  3. Shred and simmer:
    Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the chicken is well coated in the salsa mixture. Let it simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes to soak in all the flavors.
  4. Finish and serve:
    Stir in the chopped cilantro. Warm the corn tortillas (in a skillet, microwave, or oven), then fill with the shredded chicken mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  5. Optional toppings:
    Add your favorite toppings such as sliced avocado, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Recipe Tips

  • Use thick salsa to avoid a watery filling. If your salsa is thin, you can reduce the liquid by simmering longer after shredding.
  • This chicken also works beautifully in burrito bowls, quesadillas, or taco salads.
  • Make it ahead! The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 369 kcal
  • Protein: 49 g
  • Fat: 18 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 159 mg
  • Sodium: 466 mg
  • Potassium: 728 mg
  • Calcium: 276 mg
  • Vitamin A: 434 IU
  • Vitamin C: 2 mg
  • Iron: 1 mg

Equipment Needed

  • 1 Slow Cooker (7-quart or similar capacity)

This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings. With just a few ingredients and virtually no hands-on cooking, these Salsa Chicken Tacos make dinner feel effortless but exciting.

 

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