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• These Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos Are Just Like The Ones I Had In Mexico
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Shredded Chicken Tacos
• My Recipe Tips
• Shredded Chicken Tacos (Crock Pot) Recipe card
• More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

These Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos Are Just Like The Ones I Had In Mexico

These Crock Pot shredded chicken tacos were inspired by Mexican night at a resort we stayed at in… yes, Mexico. I’ll never forget how obsessed my then-7-year-old daughter was with the chicken. It wasn’t packed with bold spices like most Mexican dishes — just extra juicy and full of simple flavor — and once I tasted it, I totally got why she was begging me to make it at home. I added a few of my own tweaks, and now this shredded chicken taco recipe is one of our favorite easy meals. Here’s why:

• Juicy, fall-apart tender chicken – It’s partly the slow cooker doing its thing, partly the dark meat (boneless chicken thighs = so juicy!), and partly due to the tomatoes and onions that cook with it.
• Mild Mexican-inspired flavor – I added oregano and a dash of paprika to bring a little warmth, but kept the flavor mellow on purpose. These Crock Pot chicken tacos are not hot, just cozy and flavorful in a way that even picky eaters love.
• Super easy to prep and serve – It only takes a few minutes to toss everything into the slow cooker, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. I usually serve this shredded chicken with the veggies in tortillas, but you can also turn it into bowls with cauliflower rice or try one of my other serving ideas below.

Make these slow cooker chicken tacos with me, and see why my daughter still asks for them again and again!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my shredded chicken taco recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Shredded Chicken For Tacos:

• Chicken – I use boneless skinless chicken thighs, because they turn out the juiciest, but chicken breast works, too.
• Spice Mixture – I kept the spices simple with oregano , garlic powder , paprika , sea salt , and black pepper . If you want a bolder flavor, try my homemade taco seasoning instead. It includes those same spices plus chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, which gives these Crock Pot chicken tacos a little extra kick.
• Tomatoes – These make the chicken extra juicy and flavorful! I used Roma tomatoes because they hold up well and aren’t too watery, but any fresh tomatoes will do. I’ve even used cherry tomatoes before.
• Sweet Onion – Adds a mellow flavor and sweetness. Yellow, white, or even red will do the job, too.
• Chicken Broth – You can use your favorite brand or sometimes I use homemade chicken broth when I have it.

Taco Toppings:

• Tortillas – I usually make these shredded chicken tacos with corn tortillas , but my almond flour tortillas or crispy cheese taco shells work great for lighter options. If you want to skip the tortillas, turn it into a taco salad with shredded lettuce or taco bowl with cauliflower rice instead.
• Toppings – My go-to combo is diced avocado , thinly sliced or finely diced radishes , crumbled Cotija cheese , and fresh cilantro . A squeeze of lime pulls everything together to finish. You can also add salsa , sour cream, guacamole , or even spicy mayo for extra flavor!

How To Make Shredded Chicken Tacos

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season. Place the chicken in the Crock Pot and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat.
2. Add the veggies and broth. Layer the chopped tomatoes and sliced onions right over the chicken. I pour the chicken broth around the edges, not over the chicken, so I don’t wash off the seasonings.

1. Slow cook. Cover and cook the taco chicken in the Crock Pot ( I use this one , which is the perfect size for this recipe), until juicy and fall-apart tender.
2. Shred. Shred the chicken with two forks, or a hand mixer to save time. I usually do this right in the Crock Pot, but keep the speed low to avoid splashing.
3. Assemble the shredded chicken tacos. Pile the chicken, tomatoes, and onions into warm tortillas, then top with avocado, radishes, cheese, and cilantro. I highly recommend a squeeze of lime to finish!

My Recipe Tips

• Cut the tomatoes into medium pieces, not too large or too small. I slice each Roma tomato in half, then cut each half into 9 pieces (3×3 grid), which gives me 18 pieces per tomato. Cutting them this way helps them break down evenly in the slow cooker, without being overwhelming or but still leaving pieces in the final result.
• The onions are best at medium thickness. I slice the onion into half moons about 3/8 inch wide. That way they hold their shape as they soften, but still melt into the sauce enough to add lots of flavor.
• For the juiciest dark meat, cook to 170 degrees F. On the other hand, 165 degrees F is best if you’re using white meat (chicken breast). It’s not really necessary because you can just check that the meat is fall-apart tender, but you can check with a meat thermometer just in case.
• A hand mixer is the fastest way to shred the chicken. I usually start with two forks to break up into large pieces, then use the mixer right in the Crock Pot.
• You can also enjoy this chicken whole. While I made Crock Pot chicken tacos this time, I’ve also served these thighs over a base of air fryer potatoes with the tomatoes and onions spooned on top. I recommend some roasted veggies on the side, like honey carrots , roasted zucchini , or even Mexican-style corn .
• Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the Crock Pot? The USDA says not to cook frozen chicken in the Crock Pot, since it heats too slowly. I always thaw mine first.
• Can I make these shredded chicken tacos on the stove? Yes! Just combine the ingredients in a large Dutch oven instead, and simmer on low for 30-60 minutes.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Shredded Chicken For Tacos:

• 2 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs (or boneless chicken breasts) ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Dried oregano ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/4 tsp Paprika ▢
• 2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 4 medium Roma tomatoes (cut into 3/4 to 1 inch chunks) ▢
• 1 large Sweet onion (cut into half moons, 3/8 inch wide) ▢
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth (reduced sodium) ▢

Toppings:

• 18 medium Corn tortillas ▢
• 3 medium Avocados (diced or sliced) ▢
• 1/3 cup Radishes (chopped finely or sliced very thin) ▢
• 1/3 cup Cotija cheese (crumbled) ▢
• 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro ▢
• Lime wedges (optional) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker .
2. Season the chicken with dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with tongs.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and sliced onions over the chicken.
4. Add the chicken broth. Pour it at the edges of the vessel, trying not to pour it directly over the chicken, so you don’t wash off the seasonings.
5. Slow cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, until your Crock Pot chicken thighs are fall-apart tender and juicy.
6. To assemble the shredded chicken tacos, pile the shredded chicken, tomatoes, and onions into warm tortillas. Top with avocados, radishes, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges if you like.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 chicken tacos

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you learn the little tricks I use to make the chicken juicier and the whole meal even easier.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: This shredded chicken taco recipe is great for meal prep since the chicken reheats well and can be used different ways, from tacos to salads. I just prep it like my Instant Pot shredded chicken .
• Reheat: Warm the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave, or you can pop it in the slow cooker again.
• Freeze: The chicken, tomatoes, and onions all freeze well together for up to 3-6 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Shredded Chicken Tacos

More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes

If you loved this shredded chicken tacos recipe, you’ll definitely want to try a few more of my Crock Pot chicken favorites next:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Shredded Chicken Tacos (Crock Pot)

My Crock Pot shredded chicken tacos recipe makes juicy, tender chicken with simple spices, tomatoes, and onions for an easy dinner.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/shredded-chicken-tacos/

Ingredients

Shredded Chicken For Tacos:

• 2 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs (or boneless chicken breasts)
• 1/2 tbsp Dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 4 medium Roma tomatoes (cut into 3/4 to 1 inch chunks)
• 1 large Sweet onion (cut into half moons, 3/8 inch wide)
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth (reduced sodium)

Toppings:

• 18 medium Corn tortillas
• 3 medium Avocados (diced or sliced)
• 1/3 cup Radishes (chopped finely or sliced very thin)
• 1/3 cup Cotija cheese (crumbled)
• 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker .
2. Season the chicken with dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with tongs.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and sliced onions over the chicken.
4. Add the chicken broth. Pour it at the edges of the vessel, trying not to pour it directly over the chicken, so you don’t wash off the seasonings.
5. Slow cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, until your Crock Pot chicken thighs are fall-apart tender and juicy.
6. To assemble the shredded chicken tacos, pile the shredded chicken, tomatoes, and onions into warm tortillas. Top with avocados, radishes, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges if you like.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 chicken tacos

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you learn the little tricks I use to make the chicken juicier and the whole meal even easier.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: This shredded chicken taco recipe is great for meal prep since the chicken reheats well and can be used different ways, from tacos to salads. I just prep it like my Instant Pot shredded chicken .
• Reheat: Warm the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave, or you can pop it in the slow cooker again.
• Freeze: The chicken, tomatoes, and onions all freeze well together for up to 3-6 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)