Shredded Chicken Tacos (Printable)

Slow-cooked shredded chicken seasoned with chili and cumin, served warm in soft tortillas with fresh toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - 1 (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

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Place chicken thighs or drumsticks at the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Scatter the finely chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
03 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl; sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken and aromatics.
04 - Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, and chicken broth evenly over the seasoned chicken.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
06 - Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, discard bones, and shred the meat using two forks.
07 - Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to blend with the sauce, then mix in the lime juice.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
09 - Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and add desired toppings; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd
  • Hands-off cooking in the crock-pot means minimal effort
02 -
  • Switch to corn tortillas for a gluten-free option if needed
  • Leftover chicken is excellent for making burrito bowls or quesadillas
03 -
  • For a smoky kick, add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the crock-pot
  • Swap in boneless skinless chicken breasts for a quicker cooking time
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