Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a quick and delicious way to enjoy tacos any night of the week. Tender chicken, zesty spices, and fresh toppings make for a perfect meal.
Discover the ease and flavor of this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling, perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with minimal clean-up
- Flavor-packed chicken that can be used in various dishes
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
A Versatile Meal Option
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is not just limited to tacos. The flavorful chicken can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for any meal plan. Serve it over rice for a hearty bowl, or use it as a filling for burritos and quesadillas. The options are endless, allowing you to enjoy this dish multiple times throughout the week without feeling repetitive.
The chicken taco filling is also ideal for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. This not only saves time during busy weekdays but also ensures you have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go. Just reheat and customize with your favorite toppings for a quick dinner solution.
Perfect for Gatherings
If you're hosting a casual get-together or a game day party, this chicken taco filling is a crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker allows you to prepare a generous amount without the hassle of constant monitoring. Guests can assemble their own tacos, adding their favorite toppings, which makes for an interactive and enjoyable dining experience.
Pair the chicken taco filling with a variety of sides like guacamole, sour cream, and fresh salsa to create a taco bar that everyone will love. This not only keeps the meal fun but also caters to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that all your guests leave satisfied.
The Healthier Choice
One of the best aspects of this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is that it can be a healthier choice compared to traditional taco fillings. With lean chicken breasts and the addition of black beans and corn, you're packing in protein and fiber while keeping calories in check. This dish is much lighter than beef or fried options while still being incredibly satisfying.
You can also easily adjust the recipe to fit various dietary needs. Swap out the taco seasoning for a low-sodium version or add more vegetables to increase the nutrient content. This adaptability means you can enjoy flavorful tacos without compromising your health goals.
Ingredients
Chicken Taco Filling
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Serve this filling in taco shells, over rice, or in a salad!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Add the Ingredients
Add the black beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, onions, and bell peppers to the slow cooker.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
Enjoy your tacos with your favorite toppings!
Serving Suggestions
Once your chicken taco filling is ready, consider serving it with a variety of toppings to enhance the flavors. Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and jalapeños are excellent choices that can elevate your taco experience. Additionally, offer soft corn tortillas alongside crispy taco shells to cater to different preferences.
For a refreshing side, a simple salad with lime vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with tacos. This adds a burst of freshness and helps balance the richness of the chicken filling, making your meal even more enjoyable.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the chicken taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
For best results, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to maintain moisture. This will ensure your chicken stays tender and flavorful, just like when it was freshly cooked.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to customize your chicken taco filling to suit your tastes. Experiment with different spices or add ingredients like diced tomatoes or chopped green chilies for an extra kick. If you prefer a spicier filling, consider using a hot salsa or adding diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker.
You can also switch up the toppings to keep things exciting. Try adding pickled red onions, shredded lettuce, or even pineapple salsa for a tropical twist. The flexibility of this recipe means you can enjoy a new flavor profile each time you make it.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add jalapeños or use a spicy salsa to kick up the heat.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a quick and delicious way to enjoy tacos any night of the week. Tender chicken, zesty spices, and fresh toppings make for a perfect meal.
Created by: Chelsea Payne
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Chicken Taco Filling
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Add the black beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, onions, and bell peppers to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 22g