Kickin' Chicken Tacos

Best chicken taco recipe? My easy crockpot chicken tacos are packed with flavor! Perfect for taco night. Get my secret to super tender chicken inside!

May 27, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Alright, gather 'round, taco lovers! ever get that craving? you know, the one that screams for something flavourful, easy, and just plain satisfying? that's where this chicken taco recipe comes in.

Forget boring tuesday dinners, this is taco night , elevated!

Kickin' Chicken Tacos: Your Weeknight Savior

Honestly, who doesn't love a good taco? these aren't your average, run-of-the-mill tacos. these beauties are inspired by the vibrant, smoky flavors of mexico, packing a punch in every bite.

Think juicy, tender chicken simmered in a chipotle-lime sauce, all snuggled up in a warm tortilla with your favourite toppings.

Trust me, it's a proper fiesta in your mouth!

This recipe is all about ease. we're talking minimal effort, maximum flavour. the whole thing takes about 45 minutes, from prep to plate, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight when you just can't be bothered.

This recipe should make around 6-8 tacos, enough to feed a small family or a hungry bunch of mates.

Kickin' Chicken Tacos Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:6-8 tacos

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 teaspoon / 5g)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can)
• Juice of 1 lime (approx. 2 tablespoons / 30ml)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 12 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
• Add chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
• Add diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, adobo sauce from the can, lime juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the skillet.
• Warm tortillas according to package directions. Fill each tortilla with chicken and your favorite toppings.
• Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Why You'll Love These Chicken Tacos

One of the best things about this chicken taco recipe is that it's packed with protein, keeping you full and satisfied.

Plus, you can load it up with veggies for an extra dose of goodness. honestly, it's a win-win! perfect for a casual get-together, a family dinner, or even just a solo netflix binge, these chicken crock pot tacos are guaranteed to hit the spot.

But what makes this recipe stand out? it's the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy, all wrapped up in one delicious package.

It's not just food; it's an experience.

Ready to dive in? First, let's get the ingredients sorted. You'll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn or flour tortillas
• Your favourite toppings

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. what you need for the absolute best chicken taco recipe this side of the pond.

No faffing about, just the good stuff! i’m telling you, crock pot chicken taco recipes are a game-changer!

Ingredients & Equipment: Taco Time Essentials

Right, so we need the proper bits and bobs. think of it like building a proper cuppa – you need the right tea, right? this chicken crock pot tacos recipe ain't much different.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

• Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Honestly, chicken thighs are the way to go. They stay lovely and juicy in the Taco Bar Chicken Crock Pot . Look for thighs that are nice and pink, not grey, and feel firm to the touch. None of that flabby business.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Any decent olive oil will do; you're not bathing in it, just giving it a kiss of flavor.
• Onion: 1 medium (chopped). Yellow is fine.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced). The fresher, the better.
• Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Gives it that proper smoky flavor, innit?
• Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional, for a kick).
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) (undrained).
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: 2 (minced) + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce. This is where the magic happens. Don't skimp! This brings your ordinary Taco Meat Chicken to a whole other level.
• Lime Juice: From 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons / 30ml ). Freshly squeezed is key.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Tortillas: 12 (corn or flour, your shout).
• Toppings: Whatever tickles your fancy!

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

For that essential taco flavour, don't you dare forget the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika combo. it's a flavour bomb.

If you haven't got chipotle peppers, a dash of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne will do in a pinch.

A squeeze of lime after cooking brightens things up no end. honestly, chicken tacos crockpot recipes are all about nailing the spice!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is crucial.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, really.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Can't wing it too much.
• Garlic Press: If you're posh.
• Citrus Juicer: If you’re really posh.

You know what's mental? apparently, the average person eats around 75 tacos a year. 75! that's more than one a week! you could easily sneak in a taco crock pot meal into your weekly rotation.

Now, let's get cracking! i've actually had a crock pot chicken taco recipes fail before. i forgot the adobo sauce, disaster! but, with this list, you won't go wrong, mate.

Right then, let's get stuck in, shall we? we're talking kickin' chicken tacos: flavor fiesta in every bite! because, honestly, who doesn't love a good taco? especially when it's easy peasy.

And yeah, there are tons of chicken taco recipe out there, but trust me, this one's a corker. we're ditching boring and embracing bold flavors.

Think smoky chipotle, a little zing from lime, and chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

Prep Like a Pro: Setting Up for Success

Right, before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our mise en place sorted. basically, it's all about having everything ready to go.

First, chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic . measure out 1 tablespoon of chili powder , 1 teaspoon of cumin , ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika , and a cheeky ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you're feeling brave.

Dice up 2 chipotle peppers (mind the seeds, yeah?). squeeze the juice from 1 lime . lastly, cube up 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs .

You know, i used to chuck everything in willy-nilly. total disaster! now, i chop everything up before i start. trust me, it saves a heap of time, and lessens the chance of slicing a finger.

On that note: safety first ! keep those knives sharp and your fingers out of the way. also, watch out for cross-contamination, yeah?.

Let's Get Cooking: From Hob to Mouthwatering

1. Right, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pan. Chuck in the onion and cook until it's soft, about 5 minutes . Then, add the garlic for about 1 minute , until it smells gorgeous.
2. Now, the spices. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if you're using it). Cook for 30 seconds , stirring all the time. Honestly, this makes all the difference. It's like waking the spices up.
3. Next, add the 1.5 lbs of cubed chicken . Cook it until it's browned all over. It doesn't need to be cooked all the way through yet.
4. Now, for the magic touch. Bung in 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes (undrained), the chopped chipotle peppers, 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce , 2 tablespoons of lime juice , and ½ cup of chicken broth . Bring it to a simmer, then turn the heat down low, cover it, and leave it to cook for 20 minutes , until the chicken is cooked through. It should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Almost there! If you fancy, shred the chicken with two forks. You don't have to, but it makes it easier to stuff into the tortillas.
6. Warm up your tortillas. Then, pile in the chicken and your favorite toppings. I'm talking lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, you name it.

Pro Tips and Nifty Tricks for Top-Notch Tacos

Marinate for flavor bomb: if you're feeling organised, marinate the chicken in the lime juice and spices before cooking. overnight is ace, but even 30 minutes will make a difference.

Warm your tortillas: seriously, don't skip this step. warm tortillas are so much better.

You know what else makes these tacos amazing? a good old taco bar chicken crock pot variation. oh my gosh, you can toss everything in the crock pot in the morning, and come home to ready to make tacos.

Seriously, that's a recipe to try sometimes. it's one of my favorite chicken tacos crockpot recipes . if you wanna get creative with this, try to make a chicken crock pot tacos slow cooker meal out of this.

This one's also a lifesaver, because i make a huge batch, and there's enough for everyone!

So there you have it, an easy peasy chicken taco recipe ! this is definitely a winner and don't forget you can totally adapt it using your favorite crockpot chicken recipes for tacos .

Get creative with the toppings.

Alright, let's talk about those extra bits that make our chicken taco recipe truly shine. Think of these as the "chef's kiss" moments. So, grab a cuppa, and let's dive in!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Taco Game

Honestly, these are just my random thoughts. I hope these improve your taco night.

Serving Suggestions: Taco Tuesday, Sorted!

Okay, so how are we gonna plate these beauties? i love a good taco bar! picture this: colourful bowls filled with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and all the fixings.

Honestly, the more toppings, the better. a little station filled with taco bar chicken crock pot is the way to go.

For presentation, think rustic charm. wooden boards, colourful napkins, and maybe some string lights. it's all about creating that relaxed, fiesta vibe.

For sides, a simple mexican rice or a black bean salad works a treat. and to wash it all down? margaritas, of course! or, if you're keeping it family-friendly, some fresh lemonade.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? no worries! the taco meat chicken is easy to store. pop the chicken in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing is also an option! just let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating is a doddle. microwave it, or even better, give it a quick fry in a pan to crisp it up again.

Just don't forget that the internal temperature is 74° c before chowing down. warm the tortillas just before serving so they don’t get sad.

Variations: Spice It Up (Or Not!)

Fancy a change? easy peasy. for a dietary adaptation, try using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lower-carb option.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for pulled pork!

Seasonally, you can play around with the ingredients. in summer, add some grilled corn or fresh mango salsa. in winter, a dollop of cranberry sauce adds a festive twist.

Seriously, it is a crock pot chicken taco recipes .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Each taco is around 250-300 calories, packing 25-30g of protein. This recipe also contains fat and carbohydrates. However, it's important to note that these are estimates, and depend on toppings.

Chicken crock pot tacos slow cooker are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to all the veggies.

Bottom line? Tacos can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, if you're looking into chicken tacos crockpot recipes or crockpot chicken recipes for tacos .

So there you have it! hopefully, you can now take what you have learned about taco crock pot and apply it to our chicken crock pot tacos .

Enjoy playing with this recipe and let me know what you cooked up, i will keep an eye for your chicken taco recipe feedback.

And most importantly, have fun! you know, cooking should be enjoyable, not a chore. go get 'em!