Spicy Slow-Cooked Shredded Chicken Tacos
This Spicy Slow-Cooked Shredded Chicken is both delicious and healthy, perfectly suited for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or even salads! The combination of tender chicken, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and flavorful low-sodium taco seasoning creates a mouthwatering filling that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s an effortless recipe that lets your slow cooker do all the work, so you can enjoy a stress-free dinner. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a customizable feast!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Chicken Breasts
1 1/2 lbs (none)
Rotel Tomatoes & Chilies
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) packet (none)
Instructions
1
Place the frozen chicken breasts into the bottom of the crockpot.
2
Open the can of Rotel tomatoes & chilies and pour the contents over the chicken.
3
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the top.
4
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
6
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce for added flavor.
7
Serve in tortillas or over rice, and top with your favorite taco toppings such as cheese, avocado, and salsa.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Slow-Cooked Shredded Chicken?
It is a healthy and delicious slow-cooker meal made with chicken breasts, Rotel tomatoes, and taco seasoning, perfect for tacos, enchiladas, or salads.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The three main ingredients are 1.5 lbs of frozen chicken breasts, one 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies, and one 1.25-ounce packet of low-sodium taco seasoning.
Do I need to thaw the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?
No, the recipe specifically calls for placing frozen chicken breasts directly into the bottom of the crockpot.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours until it is fully cooked and tender.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
While the recipe recommends low for 6-8 hours for best results, you could generally cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
How do I shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds.
Should I drain the Rotel tomatoes?
No, you should pour the entire contents of the can over the chicken to provide the necessary cooking liquid and flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the combination of Rotel tomatoes with chilies and taco seasoning gives the chicken a spicy kick.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What is the best way to serve this shredded chicken?
It is excellent served in tortillas, over rice, or on top of salads with toppings like cheese, avocado, and salsa.
Can I use this chicken for meal prep?
Yes, this is an excellent meal prep recipe as the shredded chicken stores well and can be used in various dishes throughout the week.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it uses lean chicken breasts and low-sodium seasoning, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.
What type of taco seasoning should I use?
The recipe suggests using a 1.25-ounce packet of low-sodium taco seasoning to control the salt content.
Do I need to add water to the crockpot?
No additional water is needed as the liquid from the Rotel tomatoes and the moisture from the frozen chicken is sufficient.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, though the recipe specifically categorizes this as a chicken breast dish.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Favorite toppings include shredded cheese, fresh avocado, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro.
What should I do after shredding the chicken?
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the remaining sauce to ensure every piece is flavorful.
Is this recipe considered Mexican cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Mexican cuisine due to the use of taco seasoning, chilies, and its application in tacos.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are only 3 simple ingredients required for the base recipe.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an effortless, stress-free recipe where the slow cooker does all the work.
Can I use this filling for enchiladas?
Absolutely, this shredded chicken is perfect for filling enchiladas or burritos.
What size can of Rotel is needed?
A standard 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies is required.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, it is a family-friendly meal, though you may want to use a 'mild' version of Rotel if your children are sensitive to spice.
How much chicken do I need?
You will need 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts.
Does this recipe require any preparation?
There is virtually no preparation needed other than opening a can and a packet before starting the slow cooker.
Can I serve this over rice?
Yes, serving the spicy shredded chicken over a bed of rice is a great alternative to tacos.
Is there a specific way to layer the ingredients?
Yes, place the chicken first, then pour the tomatoes over them, and finally sprinkle the seasoning on top.
What makes the chicken tender?
The slow cooking process over 6-8 hours breaks down the fibers in the chicken breasts, making them very tender and easy to shred.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure that your taco seasoning packet and canned tomatoes are certified gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if you have a large enough crockpot to accommodate the extra chicken.