Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe with Zesty Green Chilies for Perfect Flavor
Tender chicken slow-cooked with zesty green chilies creates juicy, flavorful tacos perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 12 tacos (about 6 servings, 2 tacos per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces canned diced zesty green chilies
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
Instructions
- Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Gather all spices and measure broth and green chilies.
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle chopped onions and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Add diced green chilies on top.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle seasoning blend evenly over chicken and veggies.
- Pour 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth gently over the seasoned chicken.
- Cover crockpot and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours or on high for about 2 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks or meat shredding claws.
- Return shredded chicken to crockpot, stir to combine with juices and chilies. Squeeze fresh lime juice over mixture and stir again.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or use a microwave or tortilla warmer.
- Spoon chicken into warm tortillas and garnish with chopped cilantro and optional toppings like diced onions, shredded cheese, or avocado slices.
Notes
Use fresh spices for best flavor. If chicken seems dry after shredding, add a splash of chicken broth. Do not rush cooking times for tender, juicy chicken. Corn tortillas make this recipe gluten-free. Chicken thighs can be substituted but may require adjusted cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tacos per se
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken tacos, slow cooker chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, zesty green chilies, taco recipe, weeknight dinner, family meal