Dinner

Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe

Name: Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491154H37M27S
Total time: PT-491154H37M27S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning; 1 (10 oz) can Rotel, strained to remove excess juice; Juice of 1 lime; Flour tortillas (or corn tortillas); Pico de Gallo; Guacamole (or sliced avocado); Sour cream (or Mexican crema); Lime wedges; Cilantro; Cheese

BySana Jeannette January 3, 2026January 3, 2026

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Introduction

This Crockpot Chicken Tacos recipe is an easy and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Mexican favorite. Tender chicken slow-cooked with taco seasoning and zesty Rotel makes for juicy, delicious filling perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

The image shows four small white tortillas on a white plate, each folded and filled with shredded orange-brown chicken, sprinkled with small white cheese bits and chopped purple onions, and garnished with green cilantro leaves. Two lime wedges rest on the plate beside the tacos. To the left, there is a wooden plate holding several stacked white tortillas with light brown char marks. Above and to the right of the tacos are a small white bowl with lime wedges and cilantro, and an oval white dish filled with more shredded chicken topped with cilantro. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with a red-and-white napkin in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning

1 (10 oz) can Rotel, strained to remove excess juice
Juice of 1 lime

Flour tortillas or corn tortillas
Pico de Gallo

Guacamole or sliced avocado
Sour cream or Mexican crema
Lime wedges

Cilantro
Cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Spray a 6 or 7 quart crockpot with non-stick spray to prepare for cooking.

Step 2: Lay the chicken breasts flat in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken, then pour the strained Rotel and lime juice on top.
Step 3: Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 7 to 8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 4: Carefully drain most of the liquid, leaving about half a cup in the pot, then shred the chicken using two forks to mix it with the remaining juices.

Step 5: Warm the tortillas on the stovetop or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and heating in the microwave. Fill with shredded chicken and your favorite toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, cheese, and lime wedges.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of smoked paprika to the crockpot before cooking.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a moister and richer taco filling.

If you prefer a spicier taco, add some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the mixture.
Swap tortillas for taco bowls made from crispy baked tortilla shells or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Storage

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. Tortillas and fresh toppings are best added just before serving to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

Three soft, white tortillas with charred spots are filled with shredded reddish-orange chicken as the base layer. On top of the chicken, there are small white crumbles of cheese and finely chopped purple onions scattered evenly. Each taco is garnished with a fresh green cilantro leaf placed on top. The tacos rest on a white plate, with three bright green lime wedges positioned behind them. The whole scene is set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high to ensure it cooks through completely.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply omit the cheese, sour cream, or Mexican crema, or substitute with dairy-free alternatives. The chicken and tortillas remain naturally dairy-free.