Tender Shredded Chicken Tacos (Printable)

Slow-cooked shredded chicken seasoned with spices, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
02 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices

05 - 1½ teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce

11 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
12 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
13 - 1 tablespoon lime juice

→ To Serve

14 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
15 - Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Place chicken thighs or drumsticks in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Scatter finely chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
03 - Mix chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl; sprinkle evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
04 - Pour diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and chicken broth over the layered ingredients.
05 - Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
06 - Remove chicken from the cooker, discard bones, and shred meat using two forks.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir well to incorporate with the sauce, then mix in lime juice.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
09 - Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and your choice of toppings; serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly main dish that feeds a crowd
  • Easy set-and-forget crock-pot preparation
02 -
  • Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option
  • Leftovers can be repurposed into quesadillas or burrito bowls
03 -
  • Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smokier flavor
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lighter version and reduce cooking time by 1 hour
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