If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table, look no further than these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos! Combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of queso with tender, slow-cooked chicken, these tacos are a flavor explosion wrapped in a tortilla. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a family dinner, or a game-day feast, these tacos fit the bill. Best of all, they come together with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Let’s dive into this cheesy, savory, taco-filled delight!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (10 oz) queso blanco dip (or any queso dip you love)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
For the Tacos:
- Taco-sized flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in an even layer at the bottom.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker to prevent the seasoning from washing off the meat.
- Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies, diced onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- When the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Queso
- Once shredded, stir in the queso blanco dip until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Allow the mixture to heat through for another 15-20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm your tortillas in a skillet, microwave, or directly over an open flame for added flavor.
- Spoon the queso chicken filling into each tortilla.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or your favorite taco toppings.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a zesty finish.
Tips
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Warm tortillas make all the difference. Heat them up right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like extra heat.
- Set Up a Taco Bar: Let everyone customize their tacos with a variety of toppings.
- Double the Batch: This chicken freezes beautifully, so consider making extra to enjoy later.
- Cheese Choice: If you can’t find queso blanco dip, use Velveeta melted with a splash of milk as a substitute.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Transfer the chicken mixture to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen filling overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the queso chicken over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Add Veggies: Mix in corn, bell peppers, or sautéed zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
- Crunchy Tacos: Use hard taco shells for a satisfying crunch.
- Loaded Nachos: Skip the tortillas and layer the chicken mixture over tortilla chips with extra queso and toppings.
Nutrition Details
Per Serving (Approx. 2 Tacos):
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Skip the slow-cooking process and simply mix the shredded chicken with the queso and seasonings in a skillet until heated through.
What queso should I use?
A jarred queso blanco dip works perfectly, but feel free to use your favorite queso or even homemade!
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken with the seasonings, broth, and tomatoes on high pressure for 10 minutes, then shred and stir in the queso.
What toppings work best?
The sky’s the limit! Traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream are classics, but don’t shy away from experimenting with pickled onions, jalapeños, or crumbled cotija cheese.
