Imagine coming home after a long day, the enticing aroma of your favorite meal wafting through the house, welcoming you like a warm hug. That’s exactly what you get with Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos. This recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, and vibrant vegetables, these tacos are sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to relax or take care of other tasks while your meal comes together effortlessly.
Why We Love This Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe
There’s so much to love about Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos! First and foremost, this dish is incredibly easy to make. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The variety of textures and flavors in each bite—from the juicy chicken to the crunchy toppings—keeps your taste buds excited. Additionally, this recipe is adaptable to suit your individual preferences, making it excellent for family dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day! It’s a satisfying, comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients about Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
To make these delicious tacos, gather the following ingredients:
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour), warmed
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, hot sauce
How to Make Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos Directions
Creating these tantalizing tacos is as simple as 1, 2, 3! Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they lay flat and are evenly distributed to ensure even cooking. Next, sprinkle your taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. These spices are essential for delivering that vibrant Southwestern flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
After seasoning, add the black beans and corn to the slow cooker. These ingredients not only enhance flavor but also add a lovely contrast in texture. Finally, pour the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies over everything. Here’s the key: do not stir! Let the ingredients sit untouched so they can meld together as they cook.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. This cooking time will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and easily shreds. When it’s done, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce and vegetables to make a delightful filling for your tacos.
Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice. This brightens the flavors and gives a fresh twist to your dish. Make sure to taste your creation, adjusting seasoning with a bit more salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired.
Now, you’re ready to serve! Simply fill your warmed tortillas with the chicken mixture, top with fresh cilantro, and add any of your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
When it’s time to enjoy your flavorful creations, consider the best way to serve these tacos. Start with warm tortillas, either corn or flour based on your preference. You can easily warm them in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to enhance their flavor. Next, use a generous scoop of the shredded chicken mixture from the slow cooker and pile it in the center of each tortilla.
Once you’ve added the chicken, it’s time to get creative with toppings. You could sprinkle on some shredded cheese for a creamy texture, or add slices of avocado for healthy fats. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt gives a nice tangy flavor, making your tacos even more delicious. Fresh, crisp shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes add crunch and brightness, while a splash of hot sauce can provide that extra kick if you like your food spicy.
Encourage everyone to create their own taco masterpiece. Set out a taco bar with all the toppings laid out, allowing each person to build their own tacos exactly how they like them. This interactive dining experience not only adds to the fun but also makes these tacos perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Expert Tips: Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
To take your taco night to the next level, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use Homemade Spice Blend: If you have time, consider mixing your spices instead of using a store-bought taco seasoning. This way, you can control the spice levels and tweak the flavors to your liking.
- Experiment with Protein: While this recipe stars chicken, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. Try using turkey breast, or for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with extra beans or even lentils.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables. Diced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini can easily be added to the slow cooker for more nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If you use a different cut of chicken, like bone-in or skin-on, be mindful that cooking times will vary. It’s always best to check for doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish Wisely: Don’t underestimate the impact of fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro adds a lovely aromatic finish, but you can also include green onions or even radishes for an extra pop.
How to Store Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly will keep your tacos fresh and flavorful for another meal! Allow the chicken mixture to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it can be safely stored for 3 to 4 days.
If you want to keep it for a more extended period, consider freezing. You can portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, making it easier to thaw and reheat later. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delicious taste. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen tacos, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
One of the best things about Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos is the flexibility to customize the recipe. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. This will raise the heat level of your dish significantly.
- Tropical Twist: Incorporate some diced pineapple into the slow cooker for a delightful contrast of sweetness against the savory flavors.
- Cheesy Delight: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Cover to melt, creating a cheesy, indulgent taco filling.
- Breakfast Tacos: Give these tacos a morning twist by serving the filling on scrambled eggs or as a breakfast burrito in a larger tortilla.
- Street Tacos: For a more authentic take, serve the chicken in smaller corn tortillas and top with finely chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, allowing the flavors to shine.
FAQ
What makes Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos unique?
Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos are unique because of the combination of spices, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked together in a slow cooker. This creates a flavorful and effortless dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Can I make Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer storage. It’s perfect for meal prep!
What toppings go well with Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
You can get creative with toppings! Some fan-favorites include shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and lettuce. Adding hot sauce can bring extra heat as well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos are excellent for meal prep! The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers delicious. Just portion them into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners.
How do I reheat Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
To reheat, simply warm the chicken mixture in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Pair it with fresh tortillas and toppings, and enjoy!
Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour), warmed
Optional Toppings
- shredded cheese to taste
- sour cream or Greek yogurt to taste
- avocado to taste
- shredded lettuce to taste
- diced tomatoes to taste
- hot sauce to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
- Add black beans and corn to the slow cooker.
- Pour the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies over everything. Do not stir!
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce and vegetables.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice just before serving.
Serving
- Fill warmed tortillas with the chicken mixture.
- Top with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!