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Easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe with Zesty Cilantro Lime Slaw for Perfect Dinner

easy crockpot chicken tacos - featured image

A quick and easy crockpot chicken taco recipe paired with a fresh, tangy cilantro lime slaw. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this meal is flavorful, fuss-free, and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup salsa verde or your favorite mild salsa
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a small head)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (loosely packed)
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (use vegan mayo if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 810 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, extra lime wedges, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts or thighs lightly with salt and pepper. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavor base.
  2. Lay the chicken on top of the onions. Pour the salsa verde and chicken broth over the chicken, then sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Using two forks or tongs, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it into the cooking juices for extra flavor.
  5. While the chicken cooks, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Just before serving, warm tortillas on a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven until soft and pliable.
  7. Spoon generous amounts of shredded chicken onto each tortilla, top with a heap of zesty cilantro lime slaw, and add optional toppings like avocado slices or queso fresco. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

If chicken isn’t shredding easily, cook longer. Shred chicken in crockpot juices to keep moist and flavorful. Slaw can be made ahead and tossed again before serving. Resist lifting crockpot lid during cooking to avoid drying out chicken. For low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken tacos, slow cooker chicken tacos, cilantro lime slaw, easy dinner, weeknight meal, taco recipe, healthy tacos, slow cooker recipes