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
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
Instructions
- Position chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously dust taco seasoning across the chicken surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Pour diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth directly over the seasoned meat, allowing liquid to distribute evenly.
- 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.
- Utilize two forks to methodically pull apart chicken into delicate, uniform shreds within the cooking liquid.
- Incorporate cubed cream cheese and shredded Mexican blend cheese, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth, integrated queso mixture.
- Allow additional 15-20 minutes of low-temperature cooking to enhance cheese melting and develop rich, creamy texture.
- Simultaneously warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap in foil, heating at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes.
- Construct tacos by layering warm tortillas with decadent queso chicken mixture, creating a generous and inviting filling.
- Personalize with optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, zesty salsa, spicy jalapeños, and bright lime juice.
- 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