Slow-Cooked Chicken Taco Filling
Transform your dinner routine with this delightful Slow-Cooked Chicken Taco Filling that combines the flavors of tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and aromatic spices. Perfect for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend gathering, this dish is both convenient and satisfying. Crafted from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, it delivers a punch of flavor without the fuss. Just set it and forget it in the crock pot, and you'll be rewarded with a deliciously juicy taco filling that your entire family will adore. Customize your tacos with a variety of toppings for a fun and interactive meal!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
5-6 (boneless and skinless)
salsa
1 cup (medium)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
taco seasoning
1 (1.5 ounce) packet (none)
flour tortillas
to serve (warm)
sour cream
to serve (none)
corn
to serve (canned or fresh)
guacamole
to serve (none)
shredded cheese
to serve (none)
shredded lettuce
to serve (none)
canned jalapeno slices
to serve (none)
refried beans
to serve (warmed)
Instructions
1
Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot, ensuring they lay flat.
2
In a separate bowl, mix together the salsa, tomato paste, and taco seasoning until well combined.
3
Pour the salsa mixture over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated.
4
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot, mixing it with the sauce for added flavor. If the mixture is too watery, stir in additional tomato paste until the desired consistency is achieved.
6
Serve the shredded chicken on warm flour tortillas with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, corn, guacamole, shredded cheese, lettuce, jalapeños, and refried beans for a delicious taco night!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is used for this slow-cooked taco filling?
The recipe uses 5 to 6 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
How much salsa do I need to add to the crock pot?
You will need 1 cup of medium salsa for this recipe.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste in this recipe?
Tomato paste is mixed with the salsa and seasoning to create the sauce, and can also be used to thicken the mixture if it becomes too watery.
How much taco seasoning should be used?
The recipe calls for one 1.5-ounce packet of taco seasoning.
How long should I cook the chicken on the Low setting?
Cook the chicken on Low for 6 to 8 hours until it is tender and cooked through.
What is the cooking time if I set my slow cooker to High?
On the High setting, the chicken will take approximately 3 to 4 hours to cook.
Should I mix the sauce before pouring it over the chicken?
Yes, mix the salsa, tomato paste, and taco seasoning together in a separate bowl before adding it to the crock pot.
How do I shred the chicken after it is cooked?
Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crock pot once it is finished cooking.
What should I do if the chicken filling is too watery?
If the mixture is too watery after shredding, stir in additional tomato paste until you reach the desired consistency.
What kind of tortillas are recommended for serving?
Warm flour tortillas are recommended for serving this shredded chicken taco filling.
What are some recommended toppings for these tacos?
Suggested toppings include sour cream, corn, guacamole, shredded cheese, lettuce, jalapeños, and refried beans.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken taco filling?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 22.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a family dinner recipe and is perfect for a fun and interactive meal.
Can I use fresh corn as a topping?
Yes, you can use either canned or fresh corn to serve with your tacos.
Are the jalapeño slices used fresh or canned?
The recipe suggests using canned jalapeño slices for topping the tacos.
How should I prepare the refried beans?
The refried beans should be warmed before being served alongside the tacos.
What makes this recipe convenient for busy weekdays?
The 'set it and forget it' crock pot method makes it a low-fuss meal that cooks while you are busy.
Is the chicken shredded before or after cooking?
The chicken is shredded after it has been slow-cooked until tender.
Can I use this recipe for a weekend gathering?
Yes, it is ideal for relaxed weekend gatherings as well as busy weekdays.
How should I lay the chicken in the slow cooker?
You should place the chicken breasts in the crock pot ensuring they lay flat for even cooking.
Does the chicken need to be mixed with the sauce after shredding?
Yes, mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the crock pot to add extra flavor and moisture.
How many total ingredients are involved in the base recipe and toppings?
There are a total of 12 ingredients listed including the chicken, sauce components, and various toppings.
What kind of salsa is recommended: mild, medium, or hot?
The recipe specifically calls for medium salsa.
What is the main tag associated with this recipe for organization?
The primary tags are slow cooker and chicken taco meat.
Can I customize the tacos with different toppings?
Yes, you can customize your tacos with any toppings you enjoy, such as cheese, guacamole, and lettuce.
Is the chicken breast used for this recipe bone-in or boneless?
The recipe specifies using boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.