Before you cook
Before you start Equipment you'll need
- Slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity) — Provides gentle, even heat distribution for tender, shredded chicken and allows flavors to meld during low and slow cooking
- Small mixing bowl — Used to combine taco seasoning and broth before adding to slow cooker for even flavor distribution
- Cutting board — Safe surface for preparing and cutting chicken breasts and any fresh toppings
- Knife — Essential for trimming chicken and slicing any garnishes or toppings
- Two forks — Used to shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for tacos after slow cooking
- Serving spoon — Convenient for portioning shredded chicken into taco shells
Safety Safety & allergen notes
- Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe - use a meat thermometer to verify doneness before shredding
- Steam from the slow cooker lid can cause burns - lift the lid away from your body and keep hands clear when removing it
- Shredded chicken and cooking liquid are extremely hot - use tongs to handle chicken and be careful of steam when returning it to the slow cooker
- When slicing the onion, keep fingers curled away from the blade and use a cutting board to prevent knife slips
- Wash cutting board and knife thoroughly after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination
Non-negotiables Rules for success
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Ensure chicken is mostly covered by sauce in slow cooker
Uncovered portions dry out during long cooking and won't shred properly; sauce keeps meat moist and infuses flavor throughout
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Cook on low for 6 hours rather than high for 3 hours when possible
Low heat allows collagen to break down gradually into gelatin, creating tender, easily shredded meat; high heat can toughen the exterior before interior cooks through
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Shred chicken immediately after removing from slow cooker while still warm
Warm chicken fibers separate cleanly with minimal effort; cooled chicken becomes firm and difficult to shred into proper bite-sized pieces
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Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and coat with cooking liquid
Recoating prevents chicken from drying out during assembly and keeps it warm; also distributes sauce flavor evenly throughout all pieces
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Warm tortillas before assembly
Cold tortillas crack and break when folded; warm tortillas are pliable and won't tear, making them easier to fill and eat
Prep Get set first
About 8 min of prep
- Set out slow cooker and ensure it's clean
- Gather all ingredients (chicken, salsa, seasoning, broth, lime juice, cumin, onion, tortillas, toppings)
- Have cutting board and knife ready for onion prep
- Prepare small mixing bowl for sauce
- Arrange toppings (cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado) in serving bowls
Most of the work is hands-off slow cooking (3-6 hours), but you'll need 8 minutes upfront to prep and assemble the sauce, then 10 minutes at the end to shred and serve.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Add chicken to slow cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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Prepare and add onion
Slice the onion into thin rings and scatter over the chicken.
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Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, combine the salsa, taco seasoning, chicken broth, lime juice, and cumin.
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Add sauce to slow cooker
Pour the mixture over the chicken and onions, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
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Cook chicken in slow cooker
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
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Remove chicken from slow cooker
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board.
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Shred the chicken
Shred the chicken using two forks, pulling in opposite directions until the meat separates into bite-sized pieces.
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Return chicken to slow cooker
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the cooking liquid.
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Warm tortillas
Warm the tortillas according to package directions.
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Assemble tacos
Assemble tacos by placing shredded chicken on each tortilla and topping with cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado slices.
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Serve tacos
Serve immediately with lime wedges and additional salsa on the side.
Chef's notes
This recipe doubles easily for larger crowds; simply increase cooking time by 30 minutes on low
For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Customize toppings based on dietary preferences and availability