Description
Hearty slow cooker Mexican chicken delights with tender, spice-infused meat perfect for family dinners. Zesty flavors and simple preparation ensure you’ll savor this comforting meal without extensive kitchen work.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquid and Tomato Ingredients:
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite brand)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 414 grams) diced tomatoes (with green chilies)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by nestling chicken breasts at the bottom of the pot.
- Generously pour salsa and diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder evenly across the chicken mixture.
- Drizzle fresh lime juice over the ingredients to enhance the flavor profile.
- Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes exceptionally tender.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer chicken to a cutting board using tongs.
- Using two forks, methodically shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently fold into the aromatic sauce, ensuring complete coating.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.
- Serve the versatile chicken in tacos, burritos, over rice, or as a standalone protein dish.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easily shreddable meat.
- Swap salsa varieties to customize heat levels and flavor profiles, from mild to spicy.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if you prefer a more saucy consistency for your dish.
- Opt for low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt content and make the recipe healthier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg