Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
This recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling combines tender chicken with zesty spices, making it a flavorful addition to your taco night. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that's both delicious and easy to prepare. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a customizable meal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and juicy chicken that's perfect for tacos
- Minimal prep time for a stress-free dinner
- Versatile filling that can be used in various dishes
A Simple Solution for Busy Families
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious and delicious meal can be a challenge. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is designed with busy families in mind. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can set your slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavors, making it a hit at the dining table.
Not only does this recipe save time, but it also minimizes cleanup. Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes to wash afterward, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. This filling is not just limited to tacos; it can be served in burritos, over rice, or even as a topping for nachos, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the best aspects of this chicken taco filling is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on your family's preferences or dietary needs. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute low-sodium black beans and salsa, or add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
This filling can also accommodate various dietary restrictions. Whether you are gluten-free, dairy-free, or following a specific diet plan, this recipe can be adjusted accordingly. Serve it with gluten-free tortillas, or skip the tortillas altogether and serve it over a bed of greens for a refreshing salad. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is an excellent choice for meal preparation. Make a double batch and store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Simply heat up the filling and enjoy it in a wrap, on a salad, or as a topping for baked potatoes. Meal prepping not only saves time but also ensures you have healthy options readily available, reducing the temptation to order takeout.
The chicken filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer storage. When freezing, ensure you label containers with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to enjoy your meal, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan or microwave. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your chicken taco filling.
Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the bell pepper and onion. Drain and rinse the black beans and set everything aside.
Combine in Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, then add the salsa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and onion. Stir to combine.
Cook the Filling
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
Serve
Serve the chicken taco filling in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and avocado.
Enjoy your delicious chicken tacos!
Topping Ideas
To elevate your taco experience, consider a variety of toppings to complement the chicken. Shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole are classic options that add richness to each bite. Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños can add a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors to your tacos.
For a healthier alternative, try topping your tacos with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and add a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish. Sliced radishes and shredded cabbage can also add a nice crunch and additional nutrients to your meal. Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination!
Serving Suggestions
When serving this chicken taco filling, think beyond traditional taco shells. You can use corn or flour tortillas, lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or even serve it over rice for a filling bowl meal. Accompany your tacos with a side of chips and salsa or a refreshing salad to round out the meal.
For gatherings or parties, set up a taco bar where guests can customize their own tacos. Provide an array of toppings, sauces, and sides to create a fun and interactive dining experience. This not only makes serving easier but also allows everyone to personalize their meal according to their taste.
Storage Tips
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying this delicious chicken taco filling later. Allow the filling to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This will help maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. If you plan to freeze it, ensure the containers are freezer-safe and leave some space at the top, as the filling may expand when frozen.
When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. This can be done in a microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If the filling seems dry after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or salsa to bring back moisture and flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by 1 hour.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
Created by: Jenna Rowland
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Chop the bell pepper and onion. Drain and rinse the black beans and set everything aside.
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, then add the salsa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and onion. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
Serve the chicken taco filling in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and avocado.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 25g