Description of this recipe
These Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos are a weeknight dinner dream come true! Tender, juicy chicken simmered in a flavorful salsa and taco seasoning blend, all effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker. This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for feeding a crowd, and easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. The beauty lies in its simplicity – minimal prep time, maximum flavor, and easy cleanup.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with these Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos for several reasons. First and foremost, they are unbelievably easy to make. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! This is ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to stand over the stove. Secondly, the flavor is outstanding. The salsa and taco seasoning create a delicious, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying taste that everyone will enjoy. Thirdly, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the spice level, add different toppings, and serve the chicken in various ways. Finally, it’s a healthy and budget-friendly meal option that ticks all the boxes. It provides a lean protein source, is packed with flavor, and is a cost-effective way to feed a family or a group of friends. Get ready to add this to your regular meal rotation!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) jar thick salsa (your favorite brand and heat level)
- 1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 package corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, hot sauce, lime wedges
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure they are evenly distributed for consistent cooking. No need to brown the chicken beforehand – the slow cooker will take care of it!
Step 2: Add Salsa and Taco Seasoning: Pour the entire jar of salsa over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the entire package of taco seasoning over the salsa-covered chicken. The taco seasoning will add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so check for doneness around the recommended time. The chicken should be easily shreddable with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. This allows the chicken to absorb even more of the flavorful salsa and taco seasoning mixture. Shred the chicken until it is finely pulled apart.
Step 5: Simmer and Add Cilantro: After shredding the chicken, let it simmer in the juices for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the shredded chicken to further absorb the flavors and become even more tender. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. The cilantro adds a burst of freshness and brightens the overall flavor.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken is simmering, prepare the tortillas. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the oven. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you fill them with the chicken.
Step 7: Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with the shredded salsa chicken. Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and hot sauce. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the tacos for an extra burst of flavor.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings and let everyone customize their own tacos.
- Salad Bowls: Serve the salsa chicken over a bed of lettuce with your favorite salad toppings.
- Nachos: Use the salsa chicken as a topping for nachos.
- Burrito Bowls: Serve the salsa chicken with rice, beans, and your favorite burrito bowl toppings.
- Quesadillas: Use the salsa chicken as a filling for quesadillas.
- Enchiladas: Wrap the salsa chicken in tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake for a delicious enchilada dish.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, use a hotter salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker.
- If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own using a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, don’t overcook it in the slow cooker.
- If you have leftover salsa chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with black beans or lentils.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for extra flavor and texture.
- If you like a creamier sauce, stir in a block of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
3-5 hours
Total Time:
3 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 350-450 per serving
- Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: 500-700 mg per serving
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos are a simple, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The easy preparation and customizable nature of this recipe make it a winner for any cook. Experiment with different toppings and serving suggestions to create your own unique version of this family-friendly dish. Enjoy the deliciousness! This recipe provides a blank canvas, encouraging cooks to explore various flavor combinations and find what they love. With minimal effort, anyone can achieve a restaurant-quality taco experience at home.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it will extend the cooking time. Add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time, and make sure the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable before serving. It’s always best to thaw chicken breasts before cooking for optimal results, but in a pinch, frozen will work.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! To make this in an Instant Pot, place the chicken breasts, salsa, and taco seasoning in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually. Shred the chicken and simmer in the juices for a few minutes before serving.
Q3: What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
A: No problem! You can easily make your own taco seasoning blend. Combine 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and use as directed in the recipe.
Q4: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can definitely use flour tortillas if you prefer. Both corn and flour tortillas work well with this recipe. Choose whichever you enjoy most! For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free corn or flour tortillas.
Q5: What are some other toppings I can add to these tacos?
A: The possibilities are endless! Some other great topping options include: pickled onions, pickled jalapeños, crumbled cotija cheese, a drizzle of lime crema, pico de gallo, roasted corn, or even some grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory twist. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite taco toppings to customize your tacos.
