Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to wow everyone at the table, these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are it. The chicken is slow-cooked until tender and juicy, then smothered in a creamy, cheesy queso that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Seriously, every bite is packed with flavor, and the best part? It’s all done in the slow cooker, which means minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of these!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

Here’s why this recipe is a total keeper:

Set It and Forget It: The beauty of a slow cooker meal is that you can throw everything in, let it cook, and go about your day. No constant stirring or babysitting required—just set it, relax, and let the magic happen.

Queso Everything: Who doesn’t love queso? It adds a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy kick to the chicken, turning ordinary tacos into something extraordinary.

Tender, Juicy Chicken: The slow cooker works its magic, cooking the chicken until it’s fall-apart tender and packed with flavor.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make this dish. It’s all about the chicken, the queso, and a few seasonings that come together to make taco night easy and delicious.

Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is perfect for serving a crowd. Whether it’s taco Tuesday with the family or a casual get-together, everyone will love these tacos.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the simple ingredients that come together to make these tacos irresistible:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The base of the dish. Chicken breasts are lean and tender, while thighs offer a bit more flavor. Choose whichever you prefer!

Queso Cheese: The star of the show! You can use store-bought queso dip or make your own. The cheese adds that creamy, cheesy goodness everyone loves.

Taco Seasoning: A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices gives the chicken the perfect flavor.

Salsa: For a bit of tang and sweetness, salsa brings just the right amount of zest to the dish.

Garlic: Adds a little extra depth and savory goodness to the slow-cooked chicken.

Lime: For a fresh burst of citrus that balances out the richness of the queso.

Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are the traditional choice, but feel free to swap in corn tortillas if you prefer.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these cheesy, taco-filled dreams come true:

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken, and add the minced garlic.

Add Salsa and Queso: Pour the salsa over the chicken, then add the queso cheese (whether you’re using store-bought or homemade). You want the chicken to be nicely covered in all that cheesy goodness.

Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easily shred with a fork.

Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with all that delicious queso sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated.

Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken is soaking up all that cheesy goodness, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. This step helps make the tacos even more irresistible.

Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the queso chicken into the tortillas, and top with your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, tender, taco magic that you’ve just created. It’s taco night done right!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

These tacos are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ideas to take your meal to the next level:

Taco Toppings: Top your tacos with fresh salsa, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro for that extra burst of flavor. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime!

Mexican Rice: Serve these tacos alongside some fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice to complete the meal. It’s the perfect side to soak up any extra queso.

Refried Beans: A classic side that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy chicken. Add a dollop of sour cream and a few jalapeños for extra flavor.

Crispy Chips: Serve the tacos with a side of crispy tortilla chips and guacamole for the ultimate taco night feast.

Margaritas: If you’re feeling festive, serve these tacos with a refreshing margarita for the perfect pairing. Cheers!

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker for an extra kick.
• Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding pickled onions, shredded cheese, or even a drizzle of sour cream or crema for extra richness.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping! Cook a big batch of queso chicken, and store it in the fridge for a few days. You can easily reheat it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), you can freeze the queso chicken for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when ready to eat.
• Slow Cooker Variations: You can easily double this recipe if you’re serving a crowd. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the ingredients!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to cook them for a little longer (8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high).

Q2: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! While queso cheese is traditional, you can use Velveeta or even shredded cheddar if you prefer. Just make sure it melts smoothly.

Q3: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A3: Yes, you can! Add diced jalapeños or some hot sauce to the slow cooker to give it a spicy kick.

Q4: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A4: Of course! Corn tortillas will work perfectly, though they tend to be a bit smaller. Just use more if you need to.

Q5: Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A5: Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They’ll add a bit more flavor and stay super juicy.

Q6: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the queso chicken for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q7: Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
A7: Yes, you can! Cook the chicken with the seasonings and salsa on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, then shred and stir in the queso.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
A8: Yes, feel free to add some diced bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double this recipe! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are an absolute game-changer. With minimal effort, you get all the cheesy, tender, flavorful goodness you crave in a taco. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, these tacos will definitely hit the spot. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy taco perfection!

Print