The Easiest Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe Ever

Comfort meets convenience in these mouthwatering slow cooker queso chicken tacos that promise to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Tender chicken simmers in a rich, creamy sauce that melts effortlessly into every bite.

The magic happens when warm tortillas cradle the succulent meat, inviting you to create your perfect taco masterpiece.

Zesty spices dance through the chicken, creating layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring each delicious morsel.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that connects people around the table.

Storing Queso Chicken Tacos Right

• Store leftover queso chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the sauce and shredded chicken together to maintain moisture.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chicken into a skillet, add a little broth or queso to maintain moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they’re lean, tender, and easily shred after slow cooking.

• Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade taco seasoning allows you to control salt and spice levels and often tastes fresher than pre-packaged mixes.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your taco seasoning and queso dip labels to ensure they’re gluten-free. Most basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify packaged products.

• How spicy will the chicken be?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning. If you prefer mild, choose a mild seasoning blend. For more heat, select a spicier version or add extra chili powder.

Why You’ll Love Queso Chicken Tacos

• Simplify Meal Prep: Dump ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making dinner a breeze without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Creamy queso and zesty taco seasoning combine to create a mouthwatering chicken filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to game day gatherings, with simple customization through various toppings and serving styles.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes and less time spent scrubbing, letting you enjoy more quality time with family and friends after the meal.

What Goes in Slow Cooker Queso Tacos

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that absorbs the flavors of the queso and seasoning.

• Taco Seasoning, Chicken Broth, Queso Dip: A flavorful combination that creates a rich, creamy sauce for the chicken.

• Taco Shells: Crispy corn or flour shells that hold the shredded chicken.
• Taco Toppings (Optional): Fresh additions like salsa, sour cream, lettuce, cheese, or avocado that enhance the flavor and texture of the tacos.

How to Make Queso Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Prep Slow Cooker

Place chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread across the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Generously sprinkle taco seasoning over the entire surface of the chicken breasts, coating them completely for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour chicken broth and queso dip over the seasoned chicken, creating a rich and creamy cooking liquid that will infuse the meat with incredible taste.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

This low and slow method ensures tender, juicy chicken that falls apart easily.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

After cooking is complete, use two forks to carefully pull the chicken apart into soft, bite-sized shreds.

Mix the shredded chicken thoroughly with the surrounding queso sauce.

Step 6: Warm Taco Shells

Heat taco shells in the oven or microwave until they are warm and slightly crispy, creating the perfect vessel for your delicious chicken.

Step 7: Assemble Tacos

Fill each taco shell with the queso-coated shredded chicken.

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa

Serve immediately and enjoy your mouthwatering slow cooker queso chicken tacos!

Slow Cooker Tips for Tasty Chicken Tacos

• Add a splash of lime juice to the broth for extra moisture and subtle citrus flavor that tenderizes the meat.
• Adjust the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning based on your preference or dietary needs.
• Ensure chicken breasts are completely covered in liquid to maintain juiciness and prevent overcooking.
• Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Opt for low-fat queso and Greek yogurt as a topping to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.

Queso Chicken Taco Variations

• Vegetarian Quinoa Tacos: Replace chicken with seasoned quinoa, using vegetable broth and plant-based queso for a protein-packed meatless option.
• Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker for a smoky, spicy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Mexican Chicken Tacos: Substitute queso dip with dairy-free cashew cheese or salsa verde for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Tacos: Skip taco shells and serve the queso chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly alternative.

Creative Ways to Serve Queso Chicken Tacos

• Fiesta Flavor Extravaganza: Serve these queso chicken tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of zesty goodness.
• Creamy Cool Companion: Pair with a side of sour cream or homemade guacamole to balance the rich, cheesy chicken and add a cool contrast.
• Veggie Sidekick: Add a fresh corn and black bean salad or crisp garden salad to complement the hearty taco filling and boost nutritional value.
• Drink Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a cold Mexican beer, fresh margarita, or refreshing agua fresca to complete your taco night experience.

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker queso chicken tacos blend Mexican comfort with creamy cheese magic. Spicy, tender chicken nestled in warm tortillas delivers a mouthwatering fiesta you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 ml) queso dip
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

Taco Components and Optional Toppings:

• 8 – 10 taco shells (soft or hard)
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped cilantro
• Avocado
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Position chicken breasts uniformly across the slow cooker base to ensure even cooking.
2. Generously dust taco seasoning over each chicken piece, coating thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Gently cascade chicken broth around the meat, then dollop queso dip strategically across the surface.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
5. Remove chicken and utilize two forks to meticulously shred the meat, then reintegrate into the creamy queso sauce, allowing the protein to absorb the rich, cheesy liquid.
6. Warm tortilla shells briefly in a skillet or microwave to enhance their pliability and prevent cracking.
7. Construct tacos by layering shredded queso chicken into each shell, creating a generous protein base.
8. Personalize tacos with preferred garnishes such as fresh cilantro, diced onions, salsa, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños to elevate the flavor profile.
9. Serve immediately while the chicken remains warm and the shells maintain their crisp texture.

Notes

• Use lean chicken breasts for a healthier protein option that stays tender and moist during slow cooking.
• Customize taco seasoning by making your own blend to control sodium and avoid preservatives found in store-bought packets.
• Opt for low-fat queso or Greek yogurt-based cheese dip to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• For gluten-free version, replace traditional taco shells with corn tortillas or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg