Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos (Dump and Go)
Developed and tested by Robyn Conley Downs
on May 1, 2023 (last updated Mar 20, 2026) 
Six ingredients, no chopping, and the slow cooker does everything; my slow cooker chicken tacos worth making on repeat. A simple spice rub goes on the chicken, lid goes on the slow cooker, and 2-3 hours later you have the most flavorful shredded taco meat that works for tacos, bowls, salads, or anything else taco-related you can think of.
5 star review
“This is such a delicious and healthy meal that’s simple to make! Thanks for all of your recipes. 🙂”
– Allie
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Just Got Better!
Okay, so let’s talk about my trick that makes these slow cooker chicken tacos better than most: don’t add everything at once. The chicken and spice blend go in first and cook low and slow, then you shred the chicken, drain most of the liquid, and add the salsa at the end on warm. That last step keeps the salsa flavor fresh instead of cooked down and muddy.
And if you skip the salsa entirely, the spice blend alone gives the chicken enough flavor to stand on its own, so you can easily make these slow cooker chicken tacos without salsa. What I love most about this recipe is how much mileage you get out of one batch. Load it into corn or flour tortillas for taco night, pile it into bowls over rice with all the toppings, or use it to top a salad for lunch the next day. It reheats well, freezes beautifully, and makes even the most chaotic weeknight feel manageable.
And if you love having a taco-flavored protein in the slow cooker, my crock pot taco casserole is the same easy energy with everything baked together in one dish, perfect for nights when you want the taco flavor without the assembly. Or, if you want to mix up the slow cooker chicken rotation entirely, my slow cooker enchilada chicken uses the same dump-and-go method with a completely different sauce that’s just as versatile.
Welcome to My Kitchen! Let’s Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos
A Few Testing Notes From My Kitchen to Yours
- Garlic powder: I love the convenience and ease of using granulated garlic powder in this recipe, especially since it cuts down on the prep time. But I’ve tested with fresh garlic in it’s great, too.
- Cumin: Together with the other spices, the earthy flavor of the cumin creates the delicious flavor for this shredded taco chicken, so I don’t recommend skipping it.
- Mild chili powder: This recipe is not spicy. If you like it hot, swap the mild chili powder for hot, and top with your favorite hot sauce.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos (Dump and Go)
Ingredients
For the Slow Cooker Taco Chicken
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)
Optional Add at the End
- 2 cups salsa of choice (I used jarred chunky salsa, but any type of salsa will work)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken to a 6-quart slow cooker. Using clean hands, rub the chicken evenly on all sides with the spices.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 5-6, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
- Uncover and remove the chicken to a cutting board. Shred using two forks or dice into small chunks.
- Drain all but 1/2 cup liquid from the slow cooker. Switch to warm, then add back the shredded chicken along with the lime juice and salsa (if using), stirring to combine.
- Allow to warm through (about 3-5 minutes) then serve with toppings of your choice.
Notes
- For spicy chicken tacos: add 1 teaspoon spicy chili powder.
Mild or medium chunky salsa?
It’s really your choice, if you prefer little to no spice, go with mild, if you like things slightly spicy go with medium. I hope you enjoy!
This is such a delicious and healthy meal that’s simple to make! Thanks for all of your recipes. 🙂
Yay, so happy to hear you enjoyed this one, Allie! Thanks so much for leaving a review!
Sorry just to be clear do you slow cook the chicken in some salsa or add the salsa toward the end only? If you don’t add it first, what is the chicken cooking in?
The recipe calls for the salsa to be added at the end. Chicken will release its own juices during the cooking process, so you don’t have to add any liquid. However, if you prefer, you can add half the salsa to the slow cooker along with the herb rubbed chicken, and then the other half at the end. Both version will work! I hope you enjoy.
Another great recipe! I substituted the chicken for tilapia and used all the same spices but cooked it on the stovetop instead, and added a little lemon. It was so quick and easy and will definitely make again. Dinner done in less than 10 min which was amazing! Kids enjoyed it too. Thanks again!
Jodi, what a great idea to use the seasoning with fish–thanks so much for sharing that tip!
Is the salt added with the other spices? It’s listed in the ingredients, but not in the directions.
Hi Beth, yes, the salt goes with the other dry spices. I’ve updated the instructions to make that more clear. I hope you enjoy!
Thank you for your response. I made the recipe and it was really good!
Beth, so happy to hear you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
So simple to make and delicious!!
Wonderful to hear this one was a hit, Holly, thanks so much for leaving a reivew!
What kind of tortillas are Whole 30? I have only found egg “tortillas” that are compliant.
Hi Sarah, I’m not up to date on the most recent Whole30 rule changes, so I can’t say for sure. I do know the taco meat in this recipe is compliant, so you can do lettuce “tacos” or something along those lines.
This recipe is winner! It is so simple that I didn’t expect the depth of flavor. I think the chicken can be used in smothered enchiladas or chicken quesadillas, as well as tacos. My family will enjoy this recipe.
Nita, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one and I agree, it’s so good in enchiladas and quesadillas, too! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for leaving a review!
Supereasy and delicious recipe! I Will make this again.
Iris, yay, so happy to year you enjoyed this easy taco chicken in the slow cooker. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for leaving a review!
I made this for my husband and I during a hard time. SO GOOD!!!
Paired with avocado, lime, cilantro, and Greek yogurt as sour cream on a tortilla.
Such a good pick me up!!
Madison, ohhhh, I love your serving ideas, yum. I’m so happy this one was a hit, and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and leaving a review!
Hi, would you know what would be the cooking time if we would to double de ingredients?
Bianca, you don’t need to double the cook time, but you will likely need to just add an extra 30 (high)-60 minutes (low) since the slow cooker will take a bit longer to come to temperature since it will be fuller. If it’s not done at that point just add additional 30 minute increments until the chicken easily shreds with a fork. If you give it at try let me know how it turns out!