Creamy Dreamy Taco Chicken Crockpot

This Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken is a culinary gem for busy weeknights, offering incredible flavor with minimal effort. Made with just a handful of readily available ingredients, this dish is wonderfully versatile, perfect as a vibrant filling for tacos, served generously over fluffy rice, or alongside nutritious spiralized vegetables. Prepare to be amazed by its rich, zesty, and utterly satisfying taste!

There’s nothing quite like the magic of slow cooker meals when it comes to effortless cooking. Imagine tossing a few simple ingredients into a pot, setting it, and then forgetting about it until dinnertime, only to return to a kitchen filled with tantalizing aromas. That’s the promise of a slow cooker, and it consistently delivers.

Today’s featured recipe, our Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken, is a prime example of this kitchen convenience. It’s a delightful fusion of creamy texture and robust taco flavor, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal, brimming with zesty goodness that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

Contents

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken isn’t just another recipe; it’s a solution for those hectic evenings when time is short but the craving for a delicious, homemade meal is strong. Here’s why this dish is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:

Unbeatable Simplicity: Say goodbye to complicated cooking methods and lengthy prep times. This recipe is designed for maximum ease, requiring minimal chopping and just a few minutes of hands-on time. It’s truly a “dump and go” slow cooker wonder, perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Explosion of Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this dish doesn’t skimp on taste. The chicken simmers slowly in a rich blend of taco seasoning, savory salsa, tangy green chiles, and luxurious cream cheese, resulting in a depth of flavor that’s both zesty and incredibly satisfying. Every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, and savory notes.
Incredibly Versatile: One of the greatest assets of this creamy taco chicken is its adaptability. While it shines as a filling for classic tacos, its potential extends far beyond. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice for a comforting bowl, spoon it into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option, or use it as a hearty topping for baked potatoes. It’s also fantastic in quesadillas, burritos, nachos, or even as a unique pasta sauce.
Family-Friendly Appeal: This mild yet flavorful dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy texture and familiar taco flavors make it a hit with kids and adults, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something to love. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook a large batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat meals for days. It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Taco Chicken

Gathering the ingredients for this sensational slow cooker meal is incredibly straightforward. You’ll likely find most of these items already in your pantry or easily at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We recommend using about 2 pounds. Fresh or frozen (thawed) chicken breasts work perfectly. You can also opt for chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender texture.
Salsa: A 24-oz jar of your favorite salsa is all it takes. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, chunky or smooth, the choice is yours. The salsa forms the flavorful base of our sauce, infusing the chicken with essential Mexican-inspired zest.
Taco Seasoning Packets: Two 1-oz packets will provide the quintessential taco flavor. While store-bought packets are convenient, feel free to use your preferred brand or even a homemade taco seasoning blend to control the sodium and spice levels.
Diced Green Chiles: One 4-oz can of mild diced green chiles adds a subtle warmth and authentic flavor without overpowering the dish with heat. They’re typically found in the international foods aisle of your supermarket. If you like a little more kick, you could use a spicier variety or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cream Cheese: Six ounces of cream cheese is the secret to achieving that luscious, creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest results, but a reduced-fat version can also be used if preferred. Ensure it’s softened slightly for easier mixing later.

Simple Step-By-Step Instructions to Create Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece

Preparing this Creamy Taco Chicken is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.

Step 1: Lay the Foundation. Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Once arranged, generously sprinkle both packets of taco seasoning over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. This initial seasoning is crucial for infusing the chicken with that signature taco flavor from the start.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Goodness and Cook. Next, spoon your favorite salsa over the seasoned chicken breasts. Follow this by distributing the chopped green chiles and then dolloping the cream cheese on top. Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on high for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model and chicken thickness; in my experience, two hours was sufficient for perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 3: Shred and Serve. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, carefully remove the breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a cutting board or shallow bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Before returning the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, give the remaining sauce a good whisk until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. Finally, stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce, coating it completely. This easy, creamy, and zesty meal is now ready to be enjoyed!

This dish is incredibly simple, making it an ideal recipe for anyone new to cooking or for college students looking for quick, hearty meals. Once they try it, this Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken is sure to become a regular feature on their weekly menu!

So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a fantastic meal that truly is a winner. I’d love to hear if you give this recipe a try or if you have any questions. Feel free to drop a comment below. Happy cooking!

Expert Tips & Variations for Your Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken

To ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken is always a resounding success and to cater to various tastes, consider these helpful notes and creative variations:

Finding Green Chiles: As mentioned, diced green chiles are a key ingredient and can typically be found in the international foods aisle or canned vegetable section of your local market. They add a mild, earthy undertone that complements the taco seasoning beautifully.
Taco Seasoning Choices: The type of taco seasoning you use can significantly impact the final flavor. I prefer a mild seasoning like Old El Paso for a family-friendly dish, but feel free to experiment. Opt for original, hot and spicy, or even a low-sodium variety based on your dietary needs and heat preference. For an extra fresh kick, you can also add a squeeze of lime juice after cooking.
Boost the Veggies: To make this an even more wholesome meal, consider adding a can of drained black beans or corn during the last hour of cooking. You can also stir in some fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers (any color) for added nutrients and color.
Spice it Up: If you love heat, incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper, a few shakes of hot sauce, or a finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) along with the other ingredients.
Cheese Please! While the cream cheese provides ample creaminess, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking or just before serving can elevate the dish with extra cheesy goodness.
Thicker or Thinner Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

The versatility of this Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken is one of its greatest strengths. Here are numerous ways to serve it, ensuring every meal feels fresh and exciting:

Classic Tacos: The most obvious choice! Serve in warm flour or corn tortillas, topped with your favorite taco fixings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices or guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
Rice Bowls: Create satisfying rice bowls by spooning the chicken over a bed of fluffy white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice. Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cheese for a complete meal.
Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the creamy taco chicken in crisp lettuce cups (such as butter lettuce or romaine). Top with salsa and a squeeze of lime.
Burritos and Burrito Bowls: Roll it up in large tortillas with rice, beans, and cheese for hearty burritos, or skip the tortilla for a delicious burrito bowl.
Nachos Supreme: Layer tortilla chips with the creamy taco chicken, shredded cheese, and bake until melted. Finish with all your favorite nacho toppings.
Quesadillas: Spread the chicken mixture between two tortillas with cheese and grill until golden and melted.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Halve bell peppers, fill with the chicken mixture, top with cheese, and bake until tender.
Baked Potatoes: A warm, fluffy baked potato is the perfect canvas for this flavorful chicken. Load it up with all the fixings.
Pasta Dish: Mix the shredded chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for a creamy, zesty pasta meal that’s a twist on tradition.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish is excellent for meal prep and leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover creamy taco chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much during reheating, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken, be sure to explore these other fantastic Mexican-inspired dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds:

Mexican Baked Beans
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)

Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

This Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Chicken is a super easy meal that’s made with just a handful of ingredients. It’s delicious served as a filling for tacos or over rice or spiralized veggies! It’s got so much flavor!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins

Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 1-oz. packets taco seasoning
1 24-oz. jar salsa, use your favorite
1 4-oz. can diced mild green chiles
6 oz. cream cheese

Instructions

Add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to your slow cooker and sprinkle them with your two packets of taco seasoning.
Top the breasts with your salsa, followed by your chopped green chiles and cream cheese. Cover your slow cooker and cook for roughly 2-2 1/2 hours on high or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F. Mine took 2 hours to reach the 165 internal temp.
Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the sauce and shred. Before adding the shredded chicken back to your slow cooker, whisk the sauce until smooth. Serve as a filling for tortillas, atop rice, or spiralized veggies.

Notes

You can find the chopped green chiles in the international foods aisle at your local market.
You’ll need two packets of taco seasoning for this recipe. I use Old El Paso mild seasoning, but you can use the original, hot and spicy, or the 25% less sodium. You choose.
As mentioned above, you can add this filling to your tacos (we use flour tortillas), serve it over rice or spiralized veggies, or serve it over any other type of grain you enjoy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken, Slow Cooker, taco seasoning, Taco Tuesday

Cuisine: Mexican

Course: Main Dish

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share! If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Be sure to follow and tag @thebeachhousekitchen or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram!