Crock Pot Street Tacos are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and easy meal any day of the week. This dish not only delivers on flavor but also makes the cooking process a breeze with minimal effort required. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just craving some tasty tacos, this recipe is your go-to solution.
Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Street Tacos are perfect for busy days and laid-back evenings. With just a few ingredients, you can prepare a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort. It’s fantastic for meal prep too — simply make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it in various ways throughout your busy days. Plus, the ability to customize with your favorite toppings makes these tacos a hit for everyone around the table.
How to Make Crock Pot Street Tacos
Getting started with your Crock Pot Street Tacos is easy. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, which involves simple preparation and letting your slow cooker do the work for you.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- Tortillas
- Toppings (such as lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc.)
Directions:
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Place chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic in a crock pot. The combination of chicken, onion, and garlic forms a flavorful base for your tacos.
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Pour the chicken broth and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top. This will ensure the chicken stays moist and absorbs the delicious taco flavors.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Once done, shred the chicken with forks. This step makes it easier to load the chicken into your tortillas.
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Serve in tortillas and add your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer classic toppings or something a bit more adventurous, the choice is yours!
Pro Tips for Success with Crock Pot Street Tacos
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Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for shredding. You can also use thighs for a richer flavor.
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning! You can even customize it with additional spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick.
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Use Homemade Bone Broth: For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
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Keep Toppings Fresh: Prepare your toppings while the chicken is cooking to ensure maximum freshness when serving.
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Experiment with Cooking Times: Depending on your crock pot model, cooking times can vary. Check the chicken for doneness to avoid overcooking.
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Plan Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later.
Flavor Variations for Crock Pot Street Tacos
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Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the crock pot for a spicy version of these tacos.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with black beans or lentils to create a delicious vegetarian taco filling.
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Different Proteins: Try using shredded beef, pork, or turkey. Each option can bring a unique flavor profile.
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Taco Sauce: Mixing a bit of your favorite taco sauce into the chicken will add an extra layer of taste.
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Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chicken mixture for a zesty punch.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Street Tacos
Crock Pot Street Tacos are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few serving ideas you might consider:
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Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with various toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and refried beans for guests to build their perfect taco.
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On a Salad: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of greens for a light and refreshing meal.
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With Rice: Pair your tacos with Mexican rice for a filling option.
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Nacho Style: Top tortilla chips with shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese and bake until bubbly for a fun twist.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crock Pot Street Tacos
To store your Crock Pot Street Tacos, let the chicken cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, for longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken.
When freezing, it helps to portion out servings into freezer bags, making it easy to grab just what you need. Just be sure to label the bags with the date for reference. To defrost, place in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for quick thawing.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About Crock Pot Street Tacos
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, if starting with frozen chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time as it’s crucial that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I use as a substitute for taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own using a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortillas and taco seasoning, you can enjoy these tacos as a gluten-free meal. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
What type of tortillas should I use?
You can use corn or flour tortillas based on your preference. Both types hold the filling well and are delicious when warmed.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Absolutely! The shredded chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve and assemble the tacos.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Street Tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience that brings friends and family together. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a delicious dish with flavors that satisfy everyone’s cravings. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or hosting a fun get-together, these tacos are sure to impress. So whip out your crock pot and dive into this tasty culinary journey!
Print
Crock Pot Street Tacos
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and easy Crock Pot Street Tacos perfect for any day of the week. Customize with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Tortillas
- Toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc.)
Instructions
- Place chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic in a crock pot.
- Pour the chicken broth and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 360-480 minutes or on high for 180-240 minutes.
- Once done, shred the chicken with forks.
- Serve in tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with black beans or lentils. Experiment with different proteins for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican