Description
Enjoy these flavorful Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos, a simple and delicious Mexican-inspired main course perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with a blend of spices, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and creamy queso, then shredded and served warm in tortillas with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1/2 cup jarred queso or nacho cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts for a well-rounded flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the seasoned chicken, followed by 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of jarred queso or nacho cheese sauce to create a creamy and spicy cooking liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then stir well to combine with the flavorful sauce.
- Warm the Tortillas: Just before serving, warm the tortillas to make them pliable and enhance their flavor.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with the queso chicken mixture and top with desired optional toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, cilantro, and sour cream for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker.
- Leftover queso chicken is great for burritos, nachos, or rice bowls.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time and reduce the slow cooker cooking duration.
- Use gluten-free tortillas to keep the recipe gluten-free.
