Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly combines cheesy goodness with tender chicken. This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also allows you to set it and forget it until the time comes to assemble your tacos. Ideal for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings, these tacos are sure to impress with their rich flavors and comforting textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can easily get this meal started before going about your day.
- Deliciously cheesy: The salsa con queso adds a creamy texture that elevates the taste of the chicken.
- Versatile: You can customize your tacos with various toppings such as shredded lettuce, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for feeding a group, this recipe serves six hearty portions.
- Set it and forget it: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy your day or prepare other dishes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Having these items will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker (5-6 quart)
- Nonstick spray
- Two forks for shredding
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, which makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- Nonstick spray: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up hassle-free after cooking.
- Two forks: These are essential for easily shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 medium-sized chicken breasts)
- 1 ounce package mild taco seasoning (or use homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Vegetables
- 10 ounce can mild diced tomatoes and green chilies (with juice)
- 4 ounce can diced green chiles
Sauce and Tortillas
- 15 ounce container salsa con queso
- Street taco size flour tortillas
Optional Garnishes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
How to Make Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. This will help prevent sticking during cooking.
Step 2: Add Chicken Breasts
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle taco seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper over the chicken breasts. Ensure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Green Chiles
Pour the 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and green chilies along with the 4-ounce can of diced green chiles over the seasoned chicken. Cook on high for 4 hours.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker until they reach your desired texture.
Step 6: Mix in Salsa Con Queso
Pour the container of salsa con queso over the shredded chicken. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly; adjust salsa quantity if desired.
Step 7: Serve Tacos
Spoon generous portions into street taco size flour tortillas. Garnish with optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sour cream as desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco night.
Classic Taco Setup
- Tortillas: Use street taco size flour tortillas for a soft, chewy base.
- Garnishes: Offer shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
Taco Bar
- DIY Station: Set up a taco bar so everyone can customize their tacos with their favorite toppings.
- Cheese Options: Provide shredded cheese varieties like cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Include a selection of hot sauces for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Family Style Serving
- Shared Platter: Serve the chicken mixture in a large bowl and let everyone assemble their tacos at the table.
- Side Dishes: Pair the tacos with sides like rice or beans for a complete meal.
- Drinks: Offer refreshing drinks such as iced tea or margaritas to complement the flavors.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
To make your Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos even better, consider these helpful tips.
- bold Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients enhance flavor. Opt for high-quality chicken and fresh spices.
- bold Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder tacos, use less taco seasoning or choose mild salsa con queso.
- bold Add Vegetables: Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or corn into the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.
- bold Shred Properly: Use two forks to shred the chicken thoroughly; this allows the queso to blend well with the chicken.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Pair your Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos with these delightful side dishes to create a satisfying meal.
- bold Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the flavors of the tacos beautifully.
- bold Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty addition that pairs perfectly with tortillas.
- bold Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances out the savory chicken filling.
- bold Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that contrasts nicely with spicy tacos.
- bold Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a great appetizer before tacos.
- bold Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice dish enhances your meal with fresh flavors that pair well with Mexican cuisine.
- bold Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, and avocado is packed with protein and nutrients.
- bold Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy salad featuring corn, cheese, lime, and cilantro that adds texture and taste to your taco spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos can be a delightful dish, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland tacos. Always sprinkle taco seasoning and salt evenly over the chicken.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cook time of 4 hours on high for juicy results.
- Not shredding the chicken: Leaving the chicken in whole pieces will not allow it to absorb the delicious flavors. Shred it thoroughly after cooking for maximum taste.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality salsa con queso or canned goods can affect the flavor. Choose quality brands for a rich and satisfying meal.
- Forgetting garnishes: Serving plain tacos lacks appeal. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
- Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Bake covered with foil until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat in microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos that might help you prepare this dish perfectly.
How do I make Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos spicier?
You can add diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa con queso to elevate the heat level of your tacos.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but adjust cooking time accordingly. It may take an additional hour on high heat.
What toppings pair well with Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos?
Popular toppings include avocado slices, diced onions, and fresh lime juice to enhance flavor.
Can I customize the ingredients in Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and ingredients based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these tacos are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender shredded chicken with a creamy, cheesy salsa con queso. This effortless recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, allowing you to set your slow cooker and enjoy delicious tacos without the fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ounce mild taco seasoning
- 10-ounce can mild diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 4-ounce can diced green chiles
- 15-ounce container salsa con queso
- Street taco size flour tortillas
Instructions
- Lightly spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour diced tomatoes and green chiles over the chicken.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Shred cooked chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir in salsa con queso until well combined.
- Serve in tortillas with desired toppings like shredded lettuce and sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (about 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
