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Slow cooker chicken tacos in tortillas topped with fresh cilantro and lime

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword crockpot, crockpot chicken recipe, easy dinner, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 3 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned and drained
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for extra creaminess
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
  • Cooked bacon bits optional, for topping

Instructions

  1. Add the chicken, corn, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine everything evenly.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
  3. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Slowly add the heavy cream, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Add shredded cheese if using and let it melt into the soup.
  6. Cook for another 15–20 minutes on low until thick and creamy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, topped with parsley, green onions, or crispy bacon bits if desired.

Slow Cooker Tips

  1. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly during the long cooking time. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they soften nicely and help thicken the chowder.
  2. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often while cooking, since this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
  3. If the chowder becomes too thick near the end, stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk to loosen the texture. For extra flavor, top each bowl with crispy bacon bits or shredded cheese just before serving.