Tender Shredded Chicken Tacos (Print Version)

Slow-cooked shredded chicken with spices, served with warm tortillas and fresh toppings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
02 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices

05 - 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Sauce

11 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
12 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
13 - 1 tbsp lime juice

→ To Serve

14 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
15 - Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

# Steps:

01 - Arrange chicken thighs or drumsticks in the bottom of the crock-pot.
02 - Distribute chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
03 - In a small bowl, blend chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; sprinkle this mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
04 - Pour diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, and chicken broth over the contents in the crock-pot.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
06 - Remove chicken from the crock-pot, discard bones, and shred the meat using two forks.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir to incorporate with the sauce, and mix in lime juice.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
09 - Fill warmed tortillas with shredded chicken and add desired toppings before serving immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Easy to prepare in the crock-pot for hands-off cooking
  • Customizable toppings for a meal everyone can enjoy
02 -
  • For gluten-free tacos, use corn tortillas and double-check packaged ingredients
  • This recipe is dairy-free and nut-free unless you add cheese or sour cream toppings
03 -
  • Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the crock-pot for extra smoky flavor
  • For a lighter version, substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts and reduce cooking time by 1 hour
Go Back