Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with rich, creamy queso sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Why It’s a Great Choice for Busy Families
The use of a slow cooker allows for hands-off cooking, making it ideal for families with tight schedules. The dish is also versatile, easily customizable with different toppings and sides, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.
The Versatility of the Dish
These tacos can be adapted to various tastes, with options for adding spice, using different cheeses, or incorporating additional ingredients like beans or veggies. The queso chicken can also be repurposed in other dishes like nachos or burrito bowls, making it a versatile recipe for multiple meals.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Tacos?
Advantages of Using a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker allows for a hands-off cooking experience, making meal preparation easy and convenient. The low, consistent heat ensures that the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the rich flavors from the seasonings and queso.
How It Simplifies Meal Prep
With minimal prep, you can set the ingredients in the morning and have a delicious, fully-cooked meal ready by dinnertime. This reduces the need for constant monitoring and frees up time for other activities.
Retaining Flavors Over Long Cooking Times
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a deeply flavorful and moist chicken. The extended cooking time helps the spices and queso penetrate the chicken, making every bite deliciously seasoned.
Essential Ingredients
Detailed List of Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: The main protein, providing a tender and juicy base for the tacos.
- Taco Seasoning: A mix of spices that infuses the chicken with classic Mexican flavors.
- Salsa Con Queso: A creamy cheese sauce that adds richness and a hint of spice.
- Diced Tomatoes (Optional): For extra flavor and texture.
- Tortillas: Soft or hard-shell, as preferred, for serving.
Description of Key Components:
- Chicken Breasts: These are ideal for slow cooking, becoming tender and shreddable.
- Taco Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices that delivers a traditional taco taste.
- Salsa Con Queso: Combines cheese with salsa, giving a smooth, creamy texture and adding depth to the dish.
Substitutions and Additions
Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions:
- Chicken Substitutes: For a vegetarian option, use tofu, jackfruit, or tempeh instead of chicken.
- Dairy-Free Queso: Replace the salsa con queso with a dairy-free queso or a cashew-based cheese sauce for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.
- Low-Sodium Seasoning: Opt for a low-sodium taco seasoning if you need to reduce salt intake.
Suggestions for Customizing the Recipe:
- Cheese Types: Try using shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack to change up the cheese flavor.
- Salsa Alternatives: Substitute salsa con queso with regular salsa mixed with a bit of cream cheese for a tangier flavor, or use a chipotle salsa for a smokier taste.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, onions, or corn into the slow cooker for added texture and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Seasoning the Chicken:
- Start by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with taco seasoning. Ensure each piece is fully coated to maximize flavor.
- Optionally, rub in additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Preparing for the Slow Cooker:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- If desired, add diced tomatoes or a few slices of onion for extra flavor and moisture.
Cooking Process in the Slow Cooker
- Setting Up the Slow Cooker:
- Pour the salsa con queso over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well-covered.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Tips for Tender, Flavorful Chicken:
- Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature and moisture level.
- If possible, allow the chicken to cook on low for a longer period, as this ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Final Touches: Shredding and Adding Queso
- Shredding the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should shred easily after the slow cooking process.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the queso sauce, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Mixing in the Queso and Adjusting Consistency:
- After shredding, check the consistency of the mixture. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- For a richer flavor, you can stir in additional queso or sprinkle in some shredded cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serving the Tacos
- Best Types of Tortillas to Use:
- Soft Flour Tortillas: Ideal for a soft, foldable taco that holds the queso chicken well.
- Corn Tortillas: A great choice for those seeking a more traditional taco experience. They add a slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with the queso chicken.
- Crispy Taco Shells: For a crunchy contrast, use hard taco shells. These provide a satisfying crunch to the soft, creamy filling.
- Suggested Toppings and Garnishes:
- Fresh Vegetables: Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or thinly sliced red onions for added freshness and crunch.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Adds creaminess and a subtle richness that complements the queso chicken.
- Cilantro and Lime: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavors with a burst of citrusy brightness.
- Jalapeños or Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Creative Variations
- Using the Queso Chicken in Other Dishes:
- Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with queso chicken, and sprinkle with extra cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for a loaded nacho platter.
- Burrito Bowls: Serve the queso chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa, and add black beans, corn, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty burrito bowl.
- Quesadillas: Use the shredded queso chicken as a filling for quesadillas. Add extra cheese and cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Suggestions for Making the Recipe Spicier or Milder:
- Spicier: Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the slow cooker for a smoky, spicy kick. Alternatively, mix in some hot salsa or cayenne pepper.
- Milder: Opt for a milder cheese sauce and reduce or omit the taco seasoning. You can also serve with a cooling garnish like sour cream or plain yogurt to balance the heat.
Tips and Storage
Cooking Tips for Success
- Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- Overcooking: To prevent overcooking, use the low setting on your slow cooker and check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F before shredding. Cooking on high for too long can dry out the chicken, so monitor the time carefully.
- Drying Out Chicken: If the chicken starts to dry out, add a bit of chicken broth or extra queso to keep it moist. Avoid using too much liquid initially, as the slow cooking process will release moisture from the chicken itself.
- Adjusting Cooking Times Based on Chicken Size:
- Smaller Chicken Breasts: If using smaller chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time by 30-60 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Larger Chicken Breasts: For larger pieces, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure they cook through thoroughly.
Storage and Reheating
- Best Practices for Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover queso chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Tips for Reheating While Maintaining Flavor and Texture:
- Reheating on the Stove: Reheat the chicken on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
- Microwave Reheating: If using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even reheating.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in the Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may increase the cooking time and could result in unevenly cooked meat. If you do choose to use frozen chicken, be sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
The easiest way to shred chicken is to use two forks. Hold the chicken steady with one fork and use the other to pull the meat apart. For a quicker method, you can use a hand mixer on low speed, which shreds the chicken in seconds.
How Can I Make the Dish Ahead of Time?
To make this dish ahead of time, prepare and cook the chicken as directed. Once the chicken is shredded and mixed with the queso, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a crowd-pleaser for good reason—they combine tender, flavorful chicken with rich, creamy queso in a way that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. This dish’s versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Encouragement to Experiment
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sides to make this recipe your own. From adding fresh vegetables and salsas to trying various types of cheese or tortillas, the possibilities are endless. Whether you like your tacos mild or spicy, loaded with extras or simple, this recipe is a fantastic base to build upon, ensuring a delicious meal every time.

Queso Chicken Tacos
Description
These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender, seasoned chicken, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe is a breeze to make and is versatile enough to suit any taste preference, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The slow cooker does all the hard work, delivering a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 medium-sized chicken breasts)
- 1 ounce package mild taco seasoning or use homemade taco seasoning
- 10 ounce can mild diced tomatoes and green chilies with juice
- 4 ounce can diced green chiles
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 15 ounce container salsa con queso
- Street taco size flour tortillas
- shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro optional garnish
Instructions
- Lightly spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.
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Lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.
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Sprinkle the taco seasoning, kosher salt and cracked black pepper over the chicken breasts.
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Pour the 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and chiles and the 4-ounce can of green chiles over the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook on high for 4 hours.
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Once the chicken has finished cooking, use 2 forks to shred the chicken breasts.
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Pour the container of salsa con queso over the top of the chicken and stir to thoroughly combine. (you can use less if you prefer)
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Serve in the flour tortillas, and garnish with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, chopped cilantro and sour cream.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite toppings or sides, and don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. If you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.