Who doesn’t love tacos, right?
They’re fun, versatile, and downright delicious.
But have you ever tried Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos?
Trust me, these tacos are a game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in creamy queso, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Mouth-watering, isn’t it?
And with minimal prep time plus the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner with ease.
These tacos are sure to be a hit with family and friends, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos:
Mexican Rice: Serve the tacos with a side of flavorful Mexican rice. The seasoned rice pairs well with the cheesy chicken filling.
Refried Beans: A classic side dish, refried beans add a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the tacos perfectly.
Guacamole and Chips: Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips make a great appetizer or side. The creamy avocado dip balances the spiciness of the tacos.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh and zesty pico de gallo made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy queso chicken.
Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob coated with mayo, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice is a delicious and authentic Mexican side dish.
Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch to your tacos and provide a nice contrast to the creamy filling.
Black Bean Salad: A salad made with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette adds color and nutrition to your meal.
Fresh Lime Margaritas: To complete the meal, serve fresh lime margaritas for a festive drink option that pairs well with the tacos.
These serving suggestions will help create a delicious and well-rounded meal to enjoy alongside your Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos turn out perfectly:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients like cilantro, lime, and fresh cheese will enhance the flavors of your tacos.
Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a more personalized flavor, consider making your own taco seasoning mix with spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Layering the Ingredients: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors from the seasoning and tomatoes.
Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure there’s enough space in the slow cooker for the heat to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken Thoroughly: Use two forks to shred the chicken finely. This helps the cheese blend more evenly with the chicken, creating a creamy consistency.
Melt Cheese Gradually: Add the cream cheese and shredded cheese in batches, stirring to ensure they melt smoothly and integrate fully with the chicken.
Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the oven wrapped in foil to make them pliable and less likely to tear when filling.
Customize Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their tacos to their liking. Fresh ingredients like avocado, salsa, and lettuce add great texture and flavor.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftover queso chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Double the Recipe: If serving a large crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased volume.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and creamy Slow Cooker Queso Chicken T tacos that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a bit more flavor. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have delicious results.
How long should I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
What tortillas are best for these tacos?
Both corn and flour tortillas work great. Corn tortillas add an authentic touch, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the shredded chicken mixture. Just store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix or homemade taco seasoning
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro optional
- 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Jalapeño slices
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings and Liquid:Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the chicken breasts.Pour the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice) and the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
- Cook the Chicken:Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken:Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Add the Cheese:Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Mexican blend cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until the cheeses are melted and well combined with the shredded chicken.
- Let it Cook a Bit More:Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Prepare the Tortillas:While the queso chicken mixture is finishing up, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, or wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Tacos:Spoon the queso chicken mixture onto the warmed tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro if using.
- Add Optional Toppings:Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, salsa, jalapeño slices, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve and Enjoy:Serve the tacos immediately while they're warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness of slow-cooked queso chicken.