Tender Shredded Chicken Tacos (Printable)

Slow-cooked shredded chicken enhanced with spices, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 pounds 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 ½ teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sauce

11 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
12 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
13 - 1 tablespoon 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 Guide:

01 - Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks in the base of the slow cooker.
02 - Distribute the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
03 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl; sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
04 - Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, and chicken broth over all ingredients in the cooker.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
06 - Remove chicken pieces from the cooker, discard bones, then shred the meat using two forks.
07 - Return the shredded chicken to the cooker, mix thoroughly with the sauce, then stir in the lime juice.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
09 - Fill the warmed tortillas with shredded chicken and garnish with preferred toppings; serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Easy, hands-off preparation in the crock-pot
  • Customizable toppings for everyone
02 -
  • If using flour tortillas, the dish contains gluten. Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
  • Chicken breast may be used for a lighter version, but reduce cooking time by 1 hour.
03 -
  • For extra flavor, add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the crock-pot.
  • Leftover chicken makes delicious quesadillas or burrito bowls.
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