Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is a flavorful and convenient way to enjoy delicious tacos without the hassle. Just set it and forget it!

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:37:16.766Z

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it simmers in a blend of spices and vegetables, making it the ideal filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
Tender and juicy chicken bursting with flavor
Versatile filling for tacos, burritos, and more
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

      

The Convenience of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling, you can set it in the morning and return home to the irresistible aroma of cooked chicken and spices. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. This means you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Not only does slow cooking save you time, but it also ensures that your ingredients maintain their nutrients and flavor. The gentle heat allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, making it easy to shred and mix with the flavorful sauce created by the other ingredients. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy your meal without the stress of a messy kitchen.

Versatility of Taco Fillings

The beauty of this chicken taco filling is its versatility. While it's perfect for traditional taco night, you can easily use it in burritos, quesadillas, or even a taco salad. The seasoned chicken pairs well with a variety of toppings, such as avocado, sour cream, cheese, and salsa, allowing everyone to customize their meal. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for gatherings or family dinners, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Additionally, this recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week. Just reheat and serve with your favorite sides or toppings. It's a delicious way to ensure you always have a hearty meal ready to go, minimizing the temptation to order takeout on busy days.

Tips for Perfect Taco Filling

To achieve the best flavor in your chicken taco filling, consider marinating the chicken in taco seasoning and lime juice for a few hours before cooking. This extra step infuses the meat with zesty flavor and enhances its tenderness. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

Don't hesitate to adjust the ingredients based on your family's preferences. You can substitute black beans for pinto beans or use fresh corn instead of canned. Feel free to experiment with different spices or add bell peppers for extra crunch. The flexibility of this recipe encourages creativity, letting you make it your own and ensuring it suits your taste perfectly.

Ingredients

Chicken Taco Filling

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Serve with your favorite taco shells and toppings!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add the Vegetables and Spices

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken.

Cook the Mixture

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the other ingredients.

Serve

Serve the chicken taco filling in taco shells and top with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings.

Enjoy your delicious homemade tacos!

Serving Suggestions

When it's time to serve your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling, consider setting up a taco bar. Lay out taco shells, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and various toppings so everyone can build their own perfect taco. This interactive dining experience not only makes mealtime more fun, but it also allows guests to customize their meals to their liking.

For a healthier option, you can also serve the chicken filling over a bed of greens or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors while keeping your meal lighter and fresher.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the chicken taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day! For longer storage, freeze the filling in portion-sized containers. This makes it easy to defrost and reheat for quick meals later on.

To reheat, simply warm the filling in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For a faster option, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel. Just be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can! Frozen chicken can be added straight to the slow cooker without thawing. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure it's fully cooked and tender. This allows for even greater convenience, especially if you forgot to thaw your chicken in advance.

What can I do with the leftovers? The possibilities are endless! Besides tacos, you can use the filling in enchiladas, atop nachos, or mixed into a hearty salad. The flavorful chicken can also be combined with rice for a delicious burrito bowl or used as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for black beans?

You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

→ What toppings go well with this taco filling?

Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and avocado.