Crockpot Mexican Chicken Recipe Clara quick dinners

This crockpot Mexican chicken recipe is a flavorful, hands-off meal that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, and more. With juicy shredded chicken slow-cooked in a zesty blend of spices, tomatoes, and peppers, it’s a versatile and family-friendly dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare—just set it and forget it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, uses pantry staples, and delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort. It’s perfect for meal prep, freezer meals, or feeding a crowd. The chicken cooks low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender and ready to serve in your favorite dishes. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, customizable, and great for leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salsa (your favorite jarred or homemade)
• Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
• Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Lime juice (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a crockpot.
2. Sprinkle with taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour salsa and diced tomatoes over the top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 67 hours or high for 34 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks and stir to combine with the juices.
6. Stir in lime juice and top with fresh cilantro if desired.
7. Serve hot in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 68.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 67 hours on low or 34 hours on high
Total time: Up to 7 hours
Servings: 68

Variations

• Creamy version: Stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese after shredding.
• Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños, hot salsa, or chipotle in adobo sauce.
• Bean and corn: Mix in black beans and corn during the last hour of cooking for added texture and flavor.
• Citrus marinade: Add orange juice and lime juice for a citrusy twist.
• Taco bar: Serve with tortillas, rice, and your favorite toppings for a DIY taco night.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or salsa to keep it moist. This dish also freezes well—cool completely, transfer to freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly to the crockpot, but increase cook time by about 1 hour.

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful and work perfectly in this recipe.

Is this spicy?

It depends on your salsa and seasoning. Use mild salsa for a kid-friendly version or hot for more heat.

Do I need to add water or broth?

No, the salsa and tomatoes provide plenty of moisture for slow cooking.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a quick release, then shred and stir.

How do I serve this?

In tacos, burrito bowls, over rice, with nachos, in quesadillas, or even stuffed in peppers.

Can I add vegetables?

Sure! Bell peppers, onions, or corn can be added for more flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Remove the lid and cook on high for 1520 minutes after shredding, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.

Conclusion

This crockpot Mexican chicken recipe is your go-to solution for an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy tender, juicy shredded chicken that works beautifully in countless dishes. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker favorite will be on repeat in your kitchen.

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