Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and when you combine the creamy, cheesy goodness of queso with tender, slow-cooked chicken, you have a recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite. Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are not just a meal; they’re a reason to gather, laugh, and savor the joy of simple, satisfying food. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back taco night, this recipe fits the bill.
The slow cooker takes all the work out of the equation, letting the flavors meld together while you go about your day. The result? A meal that’s bursting with cheesy, savory goodness wrapped in a warm tortilla. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make and customize to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Prep: Toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a family or a party full of taco lovers.
- Customizable: Pile on your favorite toppings to make each taco unique.
- Versatile Leftovers: Use the queso chicken for nachos, burritos, or rice bowls.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup queso dip
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Small tortillas, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream
How to Make Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos:
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. - Add the Salsa and Broth:
Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken, followed by the chicken broth. This liquid helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful as it cooks. - Slow Cook:
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easily shreddable. - Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Mix it well to ensure every bite is coated in the flavorful sauce. - Add the Queso:
Stir in the queso dip, allowing it to melt and incorporate with the shredded chicken. Let the mixture cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors. - Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas and spoon a generous helping of the queso chicken onto each one. Top with your favorite taco fixings for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips:
- Pick the Right Queso: Use a store-bought queso dip that you love, or make your own for a more personalized touch.
- Spice It Up: If you like your tacos with a kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well, so consider making extra for an easy meal later.
Details:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~7 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free (check tortilla brand for gluten-free options)
Notes:
- For a lower-carb version, serve the queso chicken over lettuce for a taco salad.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed before mixing in the queso.
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)
Calories: ~350
Protein: ~30g
Carbs: ~18g
Fat: ~16g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and tend to stay even juicier during slow cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the queso chicken in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. You can add a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken with salsa and broth on high pressure for 10 minutes, then shred it and stir in the queso.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place the cooled queso chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Related Recipes:
If you loved these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos, try these next:
Conclusion:
These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy taco night with your loved ones. With minimal effort, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. So grab your slow cooker, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready to savor the magic of queso chicken tacos!
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Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Description
Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and when you combine the creamy, cheesy goodness of queso with tender, slow-cooked chicken, you have a recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite. Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are not just a meal; they’re a reason to gather, laugh, and savor the joy of simple, satisfying food. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back taco night, this recipe fits the bill.
The slow cooker takes all the work out of the equation, letting the flavors meld together while you go about your day. The result? A meal that’s bursting with cheesy, savory goodness wrapped in a warm tortilla. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make and customize to your liking.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup queso dip
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Small tortillas, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. - Add the Salsa and Broth:
Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken, followed by the chicken broth. This liquid helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful as it cooks. - Slow Cook:
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easily shreddable. - Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Mix it well to ensure every bite is coated in the flavorful sauce. - Add the Queso:
Stir in the queso dip, allowing it to melt and incorporate with the shredded chicken. Let the mixture cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors. - Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas and spoon a generous helping of the queso chicken onto each one. Top with your favorite taco fixings for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, serve the queso chicken over lettuce for a taco salad.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed before mixing in the queso.
