Crock-pot® chicken tacos are a type of taco filling cooked in a slow cooker. They can be made from white or dark meat chicken, and typically include a small amount of liquid and taco seasoning packets or a homemade taco seasoning blend. The meat is cooked at a very low heat for several hours, and then shredded and cooked again. Served in hard or soft taco shells with any number of toppings, Crock-pot® chicken tacos are a popular dish for working or busy families.
Health-wise, white meat chicken, specifically boneless skinless chicken breast, is the most popular type of chicken used in Crock-pot® chicken tacos. Despite this, dark meat chicken, such as thighs, can also be used for additional flavor. No matter what type of chicken is used, this specific dish typically calls for boneless, skinless meat. The lack of bone makes the chicken easier to shred, and removing the skin prior to placing the chicken in the slow cooker can help to prevent the sauce from getting greasy, as well as can limit the fat content of the dish.
In its most basic form, Crock-pot® chicken tacos are cooked with a small amount of liquid, either water or chicken broth, and taco seasoning. Packets of the seasoning used for this dish are available in most grocery stores, and typically contain a mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic, as well as salt and oregano. Mixing these spices by hand and using ingredients from one’s spice cabinet can also produce the same effect, and may be useful for those trying to limit their salt intake.
The chicken, liquid, and taco seasoning are all placed together in the slow cooker and cooked for several hours. On low heat, this dish typically calls for eight to 10 hours of cooking time, although it can be ready in as little as four hours when cooked on high. After the recommended cooking time, the whole pieces of chicken are removed from the slow cooker, shredded into small pieces, and then placed back in the slow cooker for one to two more hours so that the meat can soak up the seasonings. While the meat can also be chopped finely, shredding the meat for Crock-pot® chicken tacos typically makes filling the taco shells easier.
After the cooking process is complete, Crock-pot® chicken tacos can be served in hard, fried corn tortilla shells or soft flour tortillas. Popular additions to the shell, along with the chicken, include shredded cheese, lettuce, and a variety of vegetables. Beans, guacamole, and salsa can also be used to top the Crock-pot® chicken tacos, as can sour cream or blended taco sauces.