Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's both incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these irresistible Crock Pot Taco Chicken Bowls! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of Mexican-inspired goodness, with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken that practically melts in your mouth. This recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort – it's so simple, you'll feel like a culinary genius with zero stress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can corn, drained
- Cooked rice for serving
- Shredded lettuce for topping
- Chopped tomatoes for topping
- Shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by placing chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle entire packet of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Pour diced tomatoes with green chilies directly over the seasoned chicken, including all liquid from the can.
- Add drained corn to the slow cooker, distributing evenly around and over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting, cooking for 6 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- After cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the tomato and corn mixture.
- Prepare cooked rice as a base in serving bowls, using approximately 1/2 cup per serving.
- Spoon the shredded chicken mixture over the rice in each bowl.
- Garnish with shredded lettuce, chopped fresh tomatoes, and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally adding additional taco seasoning or hot sauce to taste.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay more tender and juicy during the long, slow cooking process.
- Seasoning Hack: For an extra flavor boost, consider mixing your own taco seasoning blend instead of using a packet. This allows you to control the salt and spice levels.
- Meal Prep Magic: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking! The chicken freezes beautifully, so you can make a double batch and save portions for future quick meals.
- Customize Your Bowl: While the recipe provides classic toppings, don't be afraid to get creative. Try adding avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
- Rice Alternatives: Not a rice fan? Swap it out with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even serve the chicken in tortillas for a different twist.
- Slow Cooker Tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Each time you do, you'll add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time and lose valuable moisture.
- Shredding Shortcut: For ultra-tender shredding, let the chicken rest in the slow cooker liquid for 5-10 minutes after cooking before shredding.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
