Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos combine tender, juicy chicken with creamy queso cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and authentic southwestern spices. This easy, hands-off slow cooker recipe creates rich, comforting flavors perfect for tacos, meal prep, or parties. Wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with fresh garnishes, these tacos offer a delicious blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant freshness that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free (if corn tortillas are used)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 16 oz queso cheese dip
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 soft corn or flour tortillas
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Chopped onions
- Diced jalapeños (for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Spices: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken, then evenly spread the queso cheese dip on top to ensure creamy coverage as it melts.
- Cook it Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred and Stir: When cooking is complete, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the cheese and juices into a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Warm the tortillas, then spoon the queso chicken mixture inside. Add your favorite toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime juice, or chopped onions to finish.
Notes
- Choose the right cheese: Use a good quality queso dip for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Don’t skip seasoning: Properly seasoning the chicken is crucial for deep, authentic flavor.
- Cook low and slow: Slow cooking at low heat yields juicier, more tender chicken.
- Shred inside the cooker: Shredding chicken in the slow cooker saves time and blends flavors perfectly.
- Warm tortillas: Softening tortillas before assembling improves texture and eating experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, queso chicken, tacos, creamy chicken, slow cooker tacos, easy dinner, taco night, comfort food
Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/slow-cooker-queso-chicken-tacos/
