The Best Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe for Taco Night

Crafting delectable slow cooker queso chicken tacos brings pure culinary magic to your weeknight dinner routine.

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish.

Tender chicken simmers gently with creamy cheese, creating an irresistible flavor explosion.

Minimal effort translates into maximum deliciousness for busy home cooks.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a zesty experience that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required – just simple ingredients and a trusty slow cooker.

One taste and you’ll understand why these tacos are about to become your new favorite go-to meal.

Reasons to Love Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic with minimal hands-on time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Packed with melted cream cheese and Mexican blend cheese, creating an irresistibly creamy and indulgent filling that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal.
• Versatile recipe that allows everyone to personalize their tacos with favorite toppings, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

What You Need for Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy base of the taco filling.

• Taco Seasoning Mix: Adds bold Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Provides spicy and tangy moisture.
• Chicken Broth: Helps keep chicken moist and enhances overall taste.

• Cream Cheese, Mexican Blend Cheese: Creates rich, creamy, and melty texture.

• Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas: Soft wrapper for the queso chicken filling.

• Fresh Cilantro, Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, Sliced Avocado, Sour Cream, Salsa, Jalapeño Slices, Lime Juice: Adds extra freshness, crunch, and customizable flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Place chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they lay flat and have enough room to cook evenly.

Step 2: Season and Moisten the Chicken

Sprinkle taco seasoning generously over the chicken breasts.

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chicken broth

Ensure the liquid covers the chicken partially.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

The chicken should become tender and easily pull apart.

Step 4: Shred the Tender Chicken

Use two forks to pull and shred the chicken directly inside the slow cooker.

Mix the shredded meat with the cooking liquid.

Step 5: Create the Queso Mixture

• Cubed cream cheese
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese

Stir until the cheeses completely melt and blend with the chicken.

Step 6: Finalize the Queso Chicken

Cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Warm the Tortillas

• Dry skillet over medium heat
• Wrapped in foil in a preheated oven at 350°F

Step 8: Assemble Delicious Tacos

Spoon the queso chicken mixture onto warm tortillas.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro if desired.

Step 9: Add Exciting Toppings

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Jalapeño slices
• Fresh lime juice

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Serve tacos immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, creamy, and flavorful queso chicken.

Top Tips for Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and juicy meat in your tacos.
• Cube the cream cheese and let it sit at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth, even melting throughout the dish.
• Replace standard chicken broth with low-sodium chicken broth or Mexican-style beer for an extra depth of flavor in your queso chicken.
• Adjust the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or mix your own blend to control the spiciness precisely.
• If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth to achieve your desired creamy texture without making it watery.

How to Save Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Store leftover queso chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack the cooled chicken mixture into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Transfer chicken to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until warmed through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Side Picks for Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Perfectly Matched Flavor Boosters: Queso Chicken Taco Companions
• Zesty Margarita Magic: Craft a classic lime margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the creamy, cheesy chicken filling and cut through the richness.
• Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice: Prepare light, fluffy rice seasoned with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice to provide a bright, clean counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy taco filling.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad: Whip up a quick elote-style salad with grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime to add a crunchy, tangy side that balances the soft, creamy taco texture.
• Cool Cucumber Salsa: Chop fresh cucumbers, red onions, and jalapeños with a lime-cilantro dressing to create a refreshing, crisp accompaniment that lightens the dish's intense flavors.

Tasty Options for Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves for a carb-free alternative that keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream cheese and Mexican blend cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast to accommodate lactose-free diets.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with black beans, jackfruit, or firm tofu for a plant-based version that maintains the same delicious queso flavor profile.
• Spicy Lover's Version: Add extra diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers to intensify the heat and create a more fiery taco experience.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more tender and flavorful, and they’ll still shred perfectly in the slow cooker.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies add a mild kick. If you want less heat, use a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount of green chilies.

• Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?

No, you can add the raw chicken directly to the slow cooker. The long, slow cooking process will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and Mexican blend cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese.

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory slow cooker queso chicken tacos bring Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy, spicy flavors meld together, creating an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dairy:

• 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Sour cream (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 0.5 cup chicken broth

Tortillas:

• 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas

Herbs and Garnishes:

• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Salsa
• Jalapeño slices
• Lime wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Position chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
2. Generously dust taco seasoning across the chicken surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Pour diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth directly over the seasoned meat, allowing liquid to distribute evenly.
4. Secure slow cooker lid and regulate temperature: low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches tender, easily shreddable consistency.
5. Utilize two forks to methodically pull apart chicken into delicate, uniform shreds within the cooking liquid.
6. Incorporate cubed cream cheese and shredded Mexican blend cheese, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth, integrated queso mixture.
7. Allow additional 15-20 minutes of low-temperature cooking to enhance cheese melting and develop rich, creamy texture.
8. Simultaneously warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap in foil, heating at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes.
9. Construct tacos by layering warm tortillas with decadent queso chicken mixture, creating a generous and inviting filling.
10. Personalize with optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, zesty salsa, spicy jalapeños, and bright lime juice.
11. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and enjoy the complex, comforting flavors of this queso chicken creation.

Notes

• Use lean chicken breasts for a healthier protein option that keeps the meat tender and juicy during slow cooking.
• Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Consider preparing the chicken mixture a day ahead and refrigerating, which allows flavors to develop more deeply and intensifies the overall taste profile.
• For gluten-free version, use corn tortillas and verify taco seasoning contains no wheat-based ingredients to ensure complete dietary compliance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg