Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy tacos any night of the week.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious meal!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken infused with flavorful spices
- Versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls
- Minimal prep time for a satisfying meal
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
When you're looking for a quick and satisfying dinner option, this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is the perfect solution. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on your day. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, making it a staple for busy weeknights.
The slow cooker does the heavy lifting here, infusing the chicken with rich flavors from the taco seasoning and salsa. By the time dinner rolls around, you'll have tender, succulent chicken ready to be served. It’s a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy, and it can be tailored to fit individual tastes.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the best aspects of this chicken taco filling is its versatility. You can serve it in tacos, but it also works wonderfully in burritos, on top of a salad, or as a hearty filling for bowls. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique meal every time you prepare it.
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what's in your pantry. Swap out black beans for pinto beans, add diced bell peppers for an extra crunch, or throw in some jalapeños if you like it spicy. This recipe is a blank canvas that invites creativity, making it a favorite for both meal prep and entertaining.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a fantastic option for meal prep. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you'll have delicious meals ready to go. Portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners, and simply reheat when you're ready to eat.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to label your containers with dates. When reheating, add a splash of salsa or broth to keep the filling moist and flavorful. This ensures that every bite remains just as tasty as when it was freshly made.
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the Seasoning
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.
Mix in Salsa and Other Ingredients
Pour the salsa over the chicken, then add the black beans, corn, and onion.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
Serve
Serve the filling in tacos with your favorite toppings.
Enjoy your tacos with fresh toppings like avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your taco night, consider a variety of toppings to complement the chicken filling. Fresh avocado slices, shredded cheese, and sour cream are classic choices, but don’t forget about vibrant options like pico de gallo, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
You can also serve the filling alongside crunchy tortilla chips for a fun twist. Create a taco bar where everyone can build their own perfect taco, allowing for personalization and interaction. This not only makes for an enjoyable dining experience but also caters to different dietary preferences.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your chicken taco filling, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. When freezing, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easy reheating.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If the filling seems dry, add a little salsa or water while reheating to restore its moisture and flavor. This ensures your meal remains delicious and satisfying.
Nutritional Information
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Chicken is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids while being low in fat. Beans and corn add fiber and vitamins, making this meal both filling and nutritious.
For those watching their calorie intake, you can easily adjust the recipe by using low-sodium salsa and taco seasoning. Additionally, serving the filling with fresh vegetables or over a bed of greens can enhance the nutritional value while keeping the meal light and refreshing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
Some great toppings include avocado, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and heat it up when ready to serve.
→ Can I freeze the taco filling?
Yes, you can freeze the taco filling for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy tacos any night of the week.
Created by: Sophia Lane
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Taco Filling
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.
Pour the salsa over the chicken, then add the black beans, corn, and onion.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
Serve the filling in tacos with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g