Slow Cooker Dump Chicken Taco Dinner Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Dump Chicken Taco Dinner is a simple, hands-off meal perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients tossed into a slow cooker, you get tender, flavorful chicken ready to enjoy in tacos or over rice. Minimal prep and maximum taste make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Step 2: Dump salsa, taco seasoning, black beans, and frozen corn over the chicken. There’s no need to stir.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
- Step 5: Serve in taco shells or over rice with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and avocado.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, use a chunky salsa with diced tomatoes and peppers.
- Substitute black beans for pinto or kidney beans if preferred.
- Add a can of diced green chilies for a mild spicy kick.
- Include diced onions or bell peppers before cooking for extra texture.
- Top tacos with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and may even stay more tender and juicy when cooked in the slow cooker.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken before serving?
Shredding helps mix the flavors evenly and makes it easier to eat in tacos or over rice, but you can also slice or cube the chicken if you prefer.
PrintSlow Cooker Dump Chicken Taco Dinner Recipe
This Slow Cooker Dump Chicken Taco Dinner is an effortless and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Simply dump chicken breasts, salsa, taco seasoning, black beans, and corn into your slow cooker, let it cook until tender, then shred and serve with your favorite taco toppings for a delicious Mexican-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Add Ingredients: Dump the salsa, taco seasoning, drained and rinsed black beans, and frozen corn kernels over the chicken. Do not stir at this point to keep the ingredients layered properly.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks, breaking the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Everything: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently stir all the ingredients together to mix the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken mixture in taco shells or over rice. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, lettuce, and avocado to customize your tacos.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat with more flavor.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce before cooking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Using canned beans is convenient, but rinsing them helps reduce sodium and remove excess starch.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to taste if you prefer milder or spicier dishes.
Keywords: slow cooker, dump chicken, taco dinner, easy chicken recipe, Mexican chicken, black beans, corn, healthy tacos
