This Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken is a flavor-packed protein that you can use in tons of different meals…or just eat plain!
Chicken is slow-cooked in green chiles, tomato sauce, garlic, and spices until fall-apart tender and infused with southwestern flavor. The serving options are endless, from tacos to nachos to enchiladas.
Make this slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken for an easy weeknight dinner. You can also meal prep Mexican chicken for the week or freeze it for later.
Or, host a fun dinner party where the guests can build their own meal: rice bowls, tacos, burritos—you name it. It’s an easy way for everyone to pick their favorite option and customize their toppings!
Why KJ Loves
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
A versatile, healthy chicken recipe that can be used for so many different meals? Count me in! I love how simple this recipe is, yet how flavor-packed. I love to use it for tacos or burrito bowls! The possibilities are endless.
Why make this slow cooker Mexican chicken recipe?
It’s super healthy.
Lean chicken is simmered in wholesome ingredients like tomato sauce and garlic. Nothing sugary or super processed. Add your favorite salsa and veggies, and you’ve got a healthy meal that packs a punch.
It’s simple.
Dump the ingredients in a slow cooker and walk away. The only thing left to do is shred the chicken. We’re talking several dishes, max.
Leftovers won’t get boring.
When you meal prep, you can end up with boring repeats day after day. With this Mexican chicken recipe, you can serve the chicken in a wide variety of ways. Start off with some tacos. Then try nachos one day, salad another. No boring chicken dinners here.
It’s economical.
Slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken is a lot of bang for your buck. You’ll only use a few simple ingredients. Compare this to eating out at a Mexican restaurant several times, and you’ll have saved a lot of money!
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken Ingredients
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins work great for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, you can use skinless chicken thighs instead.
Tomato sauce
A little bit of tomato sauce keeps the chicken moist and saucy!
Spices
Combine chili powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper to bring this Mexican shredded chicken to life.
Diced green chiles
A can of green chiles adds an extra pop of chile flavor.
Garlic
Pre-chopped or fresh.
Two-Step Crockpot Mexican Chicken:
1
Add all of the ingredients to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
2
Gently shred the chicken and stir to combine with the sauce in the slow cooker.
(It really is that simple!)
Tips for Shredding Chicken:
Use two forks.
Simply pull the chicken apart with two forks until the pieces are the size you want.
Try a hand mixer.
Put the chicken in a deep bowl and use a hand mixer (on low) to pull the chicken apart.
Invest in meat claws
Some stores sell meat claws which are like giant forks created just for shredding meat.
How To Serve Mexican Chicken
Serve the slow cooker shredded chicken in:
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Rice bowls
- Salads
- Sandwiches
- Quesadillas
- Enchiladas
- Nachos
Then top your Mexican meal with your favorite taco toppings!
- Guacamole
- Salsas
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Jalapenos
- Diced onion
- Lettuce
- …and more!
One Recipe. Endless Options.
Slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken is great for more than just weeknight meals…
Host a Mexican dinner party.
Let your guests choose how they want to eat their Mexican chicken. Set out chips, rice, lettuce, and taco shells so people can build their own Mexican meal. Serve with a variety of toppings, like guacamole, salsa, and cheese.
Meal prep lunch or dinner.
Meal prep the ultimate versatile protein. Allow the chicken to cool before transferring it to a plastic container or storage bag. Store the slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken in the refrigerator for up to __ days.
Freeze for later!
To freeze, allow your Mexican shredded chicken to cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or plastic storage bag. Label the chicken and store it in the freezer for up to four months.
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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- Total Time: 4 hours, 5 minues
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken is a flavor-packed protein that you can use in tons of different meals…or just eat plain!
Chicken is slow-cooked in green chiles, tomato sauce, garlic, and spices until fall-apart tender and infused with southwestern flavor. The serving options are endless, from tacos to nachos to enchiladas.
Make this slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken for an easy weeknight dinner. You can also meal prep Mexican chicken for the week or freeze it for later.
Or, host a fun dinner party where the guests can build their own meal: rice bowls, tacos, burritos—you name it. It’s an easy way for everyone to pick their favorite option and customize their toppings!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 oz diced green chiles
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients together in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the chicken and toss together with the sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker. Serve as desired and enjoy!
Notes
- If dark meat is preferred, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used.
- Serve as tacos, burrito bowls, salad topping, burritos, enchiladas and more!
- Nutritional information for this recipe is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 274
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 5.9g
- Carbohydrates: 3.8g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Protein: 48.1g
- Cholesterol: 143mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
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Hi, I’m KJ!
Here you’ll find simple, delicious recipes for the home cook. I strive to make wholesome meals with easy-to-find ingredients that you feel comfortable making in your own kitchen—but I won’t shy away from a few indulgences! (I see you: butter, bacon, cookies!)
