Shredded Chicken in Slow Cooker for Tacos

Close-up of shredded cooked chicken mixed with sliced green and red bell peppers.

Shredded Chicken in Slow Cooker for Tacos

Slow cooker shredded chicken for tacos cooks low and slow until it becomes tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It is an easy way to make taco night simple, hands off, and consistently delicious.

Course Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine American, International, Mexican

Keyword chicken breast, chicken taco, chicken tacos, chicken thighs, crock pot, crockpot chicken, salsa, shred, shredded chicken, slow cooker, taco seasoning, tacos, tortilla

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Servings Servings

Calories 189kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

Ingredients

2 Pounds Chicken Breast boneless skinless
1 Packet Ranch Dressing Dry Mix
1 Packet Taco Seasoning
1 Piece Green Bell Pepper cut into strips
1 Piece Red Bell Pepper orange bell pepper, sliced
1 Piece Onion peeled and sliced into 2-inch long pieces
2 Pieces Chicken Bouillon Cubes
1 Cup Water

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Gather all ingredients, then slice the bell peppers and onion into even strips and keep the bouillon cubes and water close so everything is ready to use.
Lay the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, sprinkle on half the taco seasoning and ranch mix, flip the chicken, and season the other side so every piece is fully coated.
Arrange the sliced onions and bell peppers in an even layer over the seasoned chicken so they soften evenly and add moisture and flavor as they cook.
Add the bouillon cubes and pour the water around the edges, then cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–6 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then mix everything so the meat absorbs the seasoned broth and blends with the softened veggies before serving.

Notes

Sear the chicken first for extra flavor. A quick browning in a pan adds a deeper taste before it even hits the slow cooker. This small step makes the shredded chicken richer and savory.
Add a splash of lime juice at the end. It brightens the whole dish and makes the spices taste fresher. A little citrus goes a long way.
Use chicken broth instead of water. This gives the meat more flavor as it cooks low and slow. It also keeps the chicken extra moist and tender.
Mix in fresh cilantro before serving. It adds a fresh taste and balances the warm taco spices. Stir it in right before eating to keep the flavor bright.

Nutrition