Zesty Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe for Taco Night

Crafting mouthwatering slow cooker queso chicken tacos brings comfort and zest to any weeknight dinner.

Creamy cheese and tender shredded meat create a delightful combination that surprises even picky eaters.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that feels like a fiesta.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet impressive dish.

Southwest flavors shine without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving, so grab extra tortillas and enjoy the delicious adventure.

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Overview

• Spice Up Your Snack Game: These crackers pack a punch of flavor with a perfect blend of ranch, garlic, and red pepper flakes that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Toss ingredients in a bag, let them marinate, and bake – no complicated cooking skills required for this crowd-pleasing treat.
• Party-Perfect Appetizer: Ideal for game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings where you want a simple yet addictive snack that everyone will love.
• Customize Your Kick: Easily adjust the red pepper flakes to dial up or tone down the heat, making these crackers perfect for different spice preferences.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Chicken Breasts: A lean meat that absorbs the rich flavors of the seasonings and becomes tender during slow cooking.

• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that adds zesty Mexican-inspired taste to the chicken.
• Salsa: Provides additional moisture and a tangy, fresh flavor profile to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds depth to the overall taste.

• Queso Dip: Creates a rich, cheesy sauce that coats the shredded chicken.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds extra melty texture and enhances the cheesy flavor of the dish.

• Tortillas: Soft vessels for holding the flavorful queso chicken.

• Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro, Diced Onions, Sliced Jalapeños: Provide additional freshness, texture, and customization to the tacos.

Step-By-Step Guide For Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. This initial step creates the foundation for your delicious taco filling.

Step 2: Season and Moisten

Generously sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken. Pour in salsa and chicken broth to infuse flavor and keep the meat tender.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 6-7 hours or on HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method ensures incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken.

Step 4: Shred and Blend

• Queso dip
• Shredded cheese

Mixing these ingredients creates a creamy, rich coating for the chicken.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Allow the chicken and cheese mixture to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step helps the cheese melt completely and develop a smooth, luxurious consistency.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onions
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños

Enjoy your mouthwatering slow cooker queso chicken tacos!

Kitchen Hints For Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat.
• Use homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and avoid preservatives.
• Drain excess liquid before adding queso for a thicker, creamier consistency.
• Opt for low-fat cheese and salsa to make the recipe lighter and healthier.
• Freeze leftover queso chicken in airtight containers for quick future meals.

Flavor Alternatives For Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Southwest Chipotle Queso Chicken: Replace salsa with chipotle salsa and add diced green chiles for a smoky, spicy flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Queso Chicken: Swap taco seasoning with Greek seasoning, use feta cheese instead of queso, and add chopped olives for a Mediterranean touch.
• Buffalo Ranch Queso Chicken: Mix ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, stir in buffalo sauce after shredding, and top with blue cheese crumbles.
• Green Chile Queso Chicken: Use green chile salsa, add roasted green chiles, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat and complexity.

Suggested Pairings For Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Set up a taco bar with shredded queso chicken, warm tortillas, and an array of fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream. Guests can customize their own tacos, making it interactive and fun.
• Loaded Nachos Supreme: Transform the queso chicken into a nachos platter by layering tortilla chips with the cheesy chicken mixture, then topping with extra cheese, black beans, and green onions. Bake until golden and serve as a shareable appetizer that's perfect for parties.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the queso chicken into meal prep containers with rice or quinoa for easy lunches during the week. The dish reheats beautifully and provides a protein-packed, flavorful meal that stays exciting even after a few days.

Storage Recommendations For Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Store leftover queso chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the mixture cool and sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Warm refrigerated queso chicken in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain creamy texture.
• Divide cooked queso chicken into individual portions before storing. This makes quick lunch or dinner preparation easier throughout the week.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• What type of salsa works best?

Any jarred salsa works great, but fresh or restaurant-style salsas add extra flavor. Mild, medium, or hot salsa can be used based on your preference.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. You can control the heat by selecting mild ingredients or adding hot sauce for extra kick.

• Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the pressure cook function for about 10-12 minutes with a quick release, then follow the same steps to add queso and cheese.

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering slow cooker queso chicken tacos blend Mexican comfort with easy preparation. Cheesy, tender chicken nestles in warm tortillas, creating a simple weeknight dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup queso dip
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Optional: avocado
• Optional: cilantro
• Optional: sour cream
• Optional: jalapenos
• Optional: lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Nestle chicken breasts into the slow cooker basin, creating a single layer for even cooking.
2. Generously dust taco seasoning across the chicken surfaces, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Gently pour salsa and chicken broth around the meat, creating a flavorful braising liquid.
4. Secure the lid and slow cook on LOW temperature for 6-7 hours, allowing chicken to become supremely tender.
5. Carefully extract chicken and use two forks to shred meat into delicate, uniform pieces.
6. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and introduce queso dip and shredded cheese.
7. Stir ingredients thoroughly, allowing cheese to melt and create a rich, creamy consistency.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and sauce to thicken.
9. Warm tortillas briefly to enhance their texture and flexibility.
10. Transfer the decadent queso chicken into tortillas and embellish with preferred garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, or diced onions.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors better.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and choosing a mild salsa to control salt content.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with jackfruit or black beans, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method.
• Add extra protein and creaminess by stirring in Greek yogurt or cream cheese with the queso for a richer texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg