Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy tacos any night of the week.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
- Tender chicken infused with zesty flavors
- Versatile for tacos, burritos, or salads
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
When you're juggling work, family, and everything in between, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can feel overwhelming. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set your slow cooker and let it do all the work. By the time you're ready to eat, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal waiting for you.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for complicated techniques or extensive cooking skills. Just chop a few vegetables, add them to the slow cooker with the chicken and seasonings, and let everything simmer together. The result is a delicious taco filling that everyone in your family will love.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the best aspects of this taco filling is its versatility. While it's perfect for traditional tacos, you can also use it in burritos, salads, or even as a topping for nachos. Feel free to get creative with your toppings—avocado, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro all make excellent additions that can elevate your meal.
Moreover, this recipe can easily accommodate dietary preferences. If you're looking to make it vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with extra beans or lentils. You can also add in your favorite vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition. This flexibility makes it a great choice for families with diverse tastes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover taco filling, you're in luck! This dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can enjoy it again for lunch or dinner, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Reheating is a breeze as well. Simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also add a splash of salsa or water to keep it moist. This means that even on the busiest days, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Ingredients
Chicken Taco Filling Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 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 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Use these ingredients to create a flavorful chicken taco filling.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and red bell pepper. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the black beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, diced onion, and diced bell pepper on top of the chicken.
Cook the Filling
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken taco filling in taco shells, over rice, or in burritos. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is incredibly adaptable when it comes to serving options. For a classic taco night, serve the filling in corn or flour taco shells with your favorite toppings. You can also lay it over a bed of rice for a hearty burrito bowl that’s sure to satisfy. For those looking for a lighter meal, consider serving it on a bed of greens, enhancing your salad with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing.
If you're hosting a gathering, set up a taco bar! Allow your guests to assemble their own tacos with a variety of toppings, including diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. This interactive dining experience not only makes for a fun meal but also accommodates different tastes and dietary needs.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken in salsa and taco seasoning for a few hours before cooking. This extra step allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in even more delicious filling. Additionally, using high-quality taco seasoning can make a significant difference in the overall taste of your dish.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level to your preference. If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a mild taco seasoning and skip any additional spicy ingredients.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time.
→ What can I serve this filling with?
This filling is great in tacos, burritos, or served over rice.
→ Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and check the salsa ingredients.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy tacos any night of the week.
Created by: Callie Morgan
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Chicken Taco Filling Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 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 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by dicing the onion and red bell pepper. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the black beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, diced onion, and diced bell pepper on top of the chicken.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
Serve the chicken taco filling in taco shells, over rice, or in burritos. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g