Description
A simple, flavorful crockpot chicken taco recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender chicken slow-cooked with spices and citrus, ready in just a few minutes of prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, warmed tortillas (corn or flour)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Trim off any excess fat or sinew.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together.
- Place the chicken in a mixing bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the top. Rub the spices all over the chicken pieces.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the seasoned chicken pieces on top.
- Pour chicken broth and fresh orange juice over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir in fresh lime juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more chili powder if desired.
- Serve the shredded chicken on warmed tortillas and top with your favorite toppings.
Notes
If crockpot juices are too thin after shredding, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Double chili powder for more spice. Fresh citrus juice is preferred but bottled works in a pinch. Frozen chicken can be used with an extra hour of cooking time on low.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken tacos, slow cooker chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, weeknight dinner, juicy chicken tacos, crockpot recipes