Save to Pinterest Tender, flavorful shredded chicken slow-cooked with spices, served in warm tortillas for a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal.
I first made these chicken tacos for a family game night and they were a huge hit: everyone built their own tacos with favorite toppings and there were plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs (900 g) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Spices: 1 ½ tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper
- Sauce: 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes (with juices); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp lime juice
- To Serve: 12 small corn or flour tortillas; optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Crock-pot:
- Place chicken thighs or drumsticks in the bottom of the crock-pot.
- Add Vegetables & Aromatics:
- Scatter chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Add Spices:
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Add Sauce:
- Pour diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and chicken broth over everything.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (or on high for 3 hours), until chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the crock-pot. Discard any bones, then shred the meat using two forks.
- Combine & Finish:
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Stir in lime juice.
- Warm Tortillas:
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Serve:
- Fill tortillas with shredded chicken and top with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Making these tacos at home reminds me of my kids helping with the toppings: they love choosing their favorite combos and it always turns dinner into a fun family tradition.
Required Tools
Crock-pot (slow cooker), cutting board, knife, forks for shredding, serving spoons
Allergen Information
Contains gluten if using flour tortillas and dairy if using cheese or sour cream. Always check packaged ingredients for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (without optional toppings): 260 calories, 7 g total fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein
Save to Pinterest Top your tacos with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving. Leftovers are delicious in burrito bowls or quesadillas.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Bone-in, skinless thighs or drumsticks provide the most flavor and tenderness after slow cooking.
- → Can I substitute chicken breasts?
Yes, using boneless, skinless breasts is possible but reduce cooking time by about an hour to avoid drying out.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during cooking for a smoky, spicy kick.
- → What are good toppings to serve with this?
Fresh cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges all complement the chicken well.
- → Are corn tortillas better than flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas offer a gluten-free option and a more authentic texture while flour tortillas are softer and milder in flavor.