Craving flavorful Mexican cuisine but short on time? Slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken is the easy weeknight dinner solution. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create tender, juicy shredded chicken bursting with the bold flavors of Mexico.
This versatile shredded chicken can be used in everything from tacos and burritos to salads, soups, and beyond. Read on to discover how to make this tasty staple.
Master the Simple Ingredients
The beauty of slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken lies in its simplicity. You only need a few ingredients:
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless breasts yield tender, shred-friendly meat. Opt for thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Taco seasoning – Look for a store-bought blend or make your own with cumin, garlic powder, oregano and more.
- Salsa – Use your favorite – mild, medium or hot. The salsa provides moisture and flavor.
- Onion and garlic (optional) – Sauteing onion and garlic adds depth of flavor.
That’s it! The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with the Mexican-inspired flavors of the seasoning and salsa.
Follow the Simple Steps
With just a few steps, you can get this tasty shredded chicken meal going:
- Prep the chicken – Trim any excess fat from the breasts and pat dry. Sprinkle both sides with taco seasoning.
- Saute aromatics (optional) – In a skillet, cook chopped onion and garlic in oil until softened.
- Add to the slow cooker – Place chicken in the slow cooker. Top with salsa and the optional sauteed veggies.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Cook until chicken is very tender.
- Shred – Remove chicken from the cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken until bite-sized.
- Return and mix – Place shredded chicken back into the cooker and mix well with the juices.
That’s all it takes to make this versatile staple to use in all your favorite Mexican recipes.
Experiment with Incredible Flavor Variations
Once you perfect the basics, play around with different flavor additions:
- For deeper smoky flavor, add a tablespoon of smoked paprika.
- For spicy heat, stir in diced chili peppers.
- For tangy citrus, mix in the zest and juice of limes or lemons.
- For sweetness, incorporate a bit of brown sugar.
- For earthy notes, sprinkle in cumin, oregano or chili powder.
- For richness, stir in a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
The options are endless for customizing this dish to suit your tastes!
Enjoy Endless Serving Suggestions
From meals to snacks, the uses for slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken are unlimited.
- Pile it into tacos and burritos along with all your favorite toppings.
- Mix it with rice or quinoa for a simple Mexican bowl.
- Stuff it into enchiladas and smother with sauce and cheese.
- Toss it into salads for a protein punch.
- Fold it into omelets or frittatas for a savory breakfast.
- Use it for the protein in chili, taco soup or casseroles.
- Make sliders on petite buns for an easy party food.
The shredded chicken also stores well for use in meals all week long. Get creative with the possibilities!
Enjoy the Many Benefits
Cooking up a batch of slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken offers many perks:
- Convenience – With minimal prep, let the cooker do the work as you go about your day.
- Adaptability – Use the chicken in so many different recipes.
- Flavor – Infuse the tender meat with the spices, herbs and salsa.
- Hands-off cooking – Get perfect results without monitoring the pot.
- Meal prep – Prepare the chicken ahead of time for quick meals all week.
- Budget-friendly – Chicken is an affordable and lean source of protein.
With a little planning, this versatile shredded chicken can become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some common queries:
What’s the cook time? For food safety, cook at least 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Can I use thighs? Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully. Cook a bit longer until very tender.
Do I need to shred by hand? You can, but using two forks makes easy work of it!
How long does it keep? Store in the fridge 3-4 days. Freeze portions up to 3 months.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time slightly.
Start Cooking Today
Now that you’re equipped with tips, tricks and recipes, you can start whipping up this tasty staple.
With minimal hands-on time, let your slow cooker do the work of infusing tender, shredded chicken with the iconic flavors of Mexico.
From street-style tacos to burrito bowls to enchilada bakes, the possibilities are endless for enjoying this versatile recipe. ¡Buen provecho!
