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Home » Recipes » Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Tacos Recipe

Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Tacos Recipe

April 23, 2019 Updated: May 28, 2020 By Julie Menghini 76 Comments

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A collage of crockpot chipotle chicken tacos garnished with avocado tomatoes cabbage and shredded cheese

Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Tacos recipe is loaded with a spicy juicy shredded chicken. This hands-off recipe takes the guesswork out of what’s for dinner!

This post has been upgraded from 4/25/16 to improve reader experience.

Three tacos filled with shredded chipotle chicken cabbage avocado & tomatoes

Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Tacos start with a simple paste that infuses into a delicious juicy shredded chicken taco recipe with a kick!

I don’t use a crockpot nearly as much as I should. It’s an easy way to plan dinner when you don’t have a lot of hands-on time. That isn’t the only reason, it’s a great way to infuse flavors.

The only tacos that I knew how to make were with ground beef seasoned with a spice packet called taco seasoning. It was a quick meal and we loved them. That is until we had a taste of what Chipotle Chicken Tacos tasted like.

We loved going out and trying other Mexican dishes. At the time I had no clue what was in them. So when I started making a lot of our own crockpot shredded chicken tacos at home, I wanted a flavorful spice combination. We wanted to infuse the meat with flavor, not boil it. This chipotle taco recipe was the way to go!

I had a few questions regarding chipotle taco seasoning options:

What is Chipotle? Chipotle is a jalapeno pepper that has been smoked. The Aztecs found that the jalapeno doesn’t dry as well as other peppers because of it’s thicker walls so they smoked them as a way to preserve them.
Is Chipotle spicier than a jalapeno? Generally yes because Chipotle is made using a red, fully ripened jalapeno.
What is adobo? Adobo can have separate meanings. We’re referring to the spicy sauce that’s intensely red due to paprika. This chipotle marinated in this sauce is called Chipotle in Adobe sauce and is what’s used here.

This Chipotle Chicken Taco recipe is spicy enough for my tastes. That isn’t the case with John. I swear he has a cast-iron stomach. The heat in these tacos comes from Chipotle Chilies in Adobo. The heat can be adjusted according to your tastes.

How do you make the chipotle paste for this Easy Chicken Taco Crock Pot recipe?

Combine Chipotle peppers with spices, onion, and cilantro and then blend into a paste using a blender or food processor.

The can of Chipotle in Adobe sauce has about a dozen chipotle peppers in it. This chipotle tacos recipe uses 3 chilis in the shredded chicken taco meat but I double the paste ingredients to use up the whole can of chipotle peppers. Then I’ll put some in the refrigerator so ole cast-iron stomach can smear more on his Shredded Chicken Tacos and freeze the rest for the next time I want to make these tacos.





Pro tips:

  • If you like using avocado in tacos or sandwiches, mash them into a spread. I find that it helps keep all of your goodies in the taco shell or sandwich. Sliced avocado tends to slide right out taking the remaining ingredients with it.
  • Cut the carbs and pice it on a taco salad!
  • Using slow cooker shredded chicken makes meal prep easy on a busy day. And, it will not heat up the kitchen making it perfect for a summer day.
  • Shredded chicken recipes can feed a crowd so are perfect for entertaining. Set up a taco bar!

Garnishes for Chipotle Chicken Tacos:

  • Diced Tomato
  • Green onion (mild compared to some other varieties)
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cabbage or lettuce

You may need:

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  • Mini Food Processor – I use this little powerhouse for chopping and blending smaller quantities so I don’t have to use my much bigger and heavier food processor.
  • Boxed Grater – I grate my own cabbage, lettuce, and cheese. The convenience packages of cheese have non-clumping ingredients and everything tastes so much fresher when you do it yourself. It doesn’t add that much time.
These spicy chipotle tacos are stuffed with shredded chicken, avocado, tomatoes and cabbage

If you like this recipe, please comment below and leave me a 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review! Here are a few more recipes I think you’ll love!

  • 4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice
  • Chicken Taco Salad Bowl
  • Frozen Magic Margarita Pie
  • Cherry Chipotle Salad Recipe
Three tacos filled with shredded chipotle chicken cabbage avocado & tomatoes
Print
4.94 from 15 votes

Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Tacos Recipe

Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Tacos recipe is loaded with spicy juicy shredded chicken.  This hands-off recipe takes the guesswork out of what's for dinner!
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins
Servings 6
Author Julie Menghini

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts skinless and boneless
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 6 Taco shells

Chipotle Paste

  • 3 Chipotle Chilies in Adobo
  • 3 tbsp olive oil vegetable or canola is fine too
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp diced onion
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro I use the stems for the paste and the leaves for garnish
  • 1 tbsp chile powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • Zest of one lime optional

Suggested Garnishes

  • Shredded cabbage or lettuce avocado, cheese, green onion, tomatoes, lime and cilantro

Instructions

  • Add chicken to the crockpot
  • Combine paste ingredients and process in a blender or food processor until thick paste forms.
  • Mix the paste with the chicken.
  • Pour chicken broth (or water) over the chicken
  • Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or up to 8 hours on low. Shred chicken with two forks. Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the liquid until the liquid is absorbed.
  • Serve with taco garnishes of your choice.

Notes

I actually mash the avocado and add diced tomatoes, green onion, cilantro and a bit of salt. It helps keep all of the goodies in the taco.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 916mg | Potassium: 661mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 845IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1.7mg
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
Tried this recipe? That’s awesome!Mention @hostessatheart or tag #hostessatheart!

The only thing that these super easy crock pot tacos need is a great Margarita to go with them!

We still love a good ground beef taco but no longer use that little packet of seasoning. Our Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is so much better and I always have a big jar of it mixed up.

What is your favorite taco recipe? We do love a great taco so please share!

Chicken· Main dishes· Mexican· Recipes

« 4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice – Instant Pot Recipe
Blueberry Buckle Recipe – Incredibly Easy To Make »

Comments

  1. Suzanne says

    January 10, 2020 at 8:32 am

    This was so delicious! I want to make these tacos every week.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      January 10, 2020 at 11:11 am

      Thank you, Suzanne! You’re so sweet to let me know that you liked them!

      Reply
  2. Al says

    January 21, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    Tacos were out of sight

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      January 22, 2019 at 8:36 am

      Thank you Al! This is one of my favorite recipes too! I appreciate you leaving me a note letting me know that you tried them.

      Reply
  3. Yum ! says

    June 12, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    I really enjoyed this recipe. I made a couple of small changes to make it spicier, but otherwise I thought it was fab !

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 14, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and great rating!

      Reply
  4. Deanna says

    April 17, 2018 at 4:32 pm

    This CROCKPOT CHIPOTLE CHICKEN TACOS is so perfect for taco tuesday!!!! YUM!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 23, 2018 at 7:36 am

      Thank you, Deanna!

      Reply
  5. Michaela Kenkel says

    April 16, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    Taco Tuesday never looked so good!! Seriously drooling over here!!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 17, 2018 at 6:52 am

      Thank you! I love easy recipes like this one!

      Reply
  6. Jennifer A Stewart says

    April 16, 2018 at 1:35 pm

    I am all about tacos even if it isn’t Tuesday! I think we should have tacos for every day of the week. A crock pot makes it even better!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 17, 2018 at 6:51 am

      Thank you! What did we ever do without that trusty crockpot?

      Reply
  7. Christie says

    April 16, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    I could easily eat tacos once a week if they looked like this! So delicious looking and packed with flavor.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 17, 2018 at 6:49 am

      Thank you Christie! I love easy make it and forget it recipes.

      Reply
  8. Ashlyn says

    April 16, 2018 at 9:32 am

    I always love a good crockpot chicken recipe, especially one with chipotle in it! I live for chipotle flavor! Definitely putting this on the menu for one of the nights my oldest has soccer. We do a lot of crockpot meals on those busy nights. 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 17, 2018 at 6:47 am

      Thank you, Ashlyn! I don’t know how we got buy before the crockpot was invented!

      Reply
  9. [email protected]'s Dinnertime Dish says

    April 15, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    This makes me seriously want tacos for dinner tonight! These tacos look incredible and sound like they’re full of so much flavor!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 15, 2018 at 7:04 pm

      Thank you, Lisa!

      Reply
  10. michele says

    April 15, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Ive got this all set up for my husband to put in the crockpot this week while Im away! It was easy to put in a bag and have it ready for him to set up….. It sounds so good and I cant wait to have some leftovers when I get back!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 15, 2018 at 7:07 pm

      I hope you loved it! Thanks, michele!

      Reply
  11. Debra C. says

    April 14, 2018 at 9:32 pm

    Ha! I would be with John – lighting my food on fire and piling on the jalapeños! I’m loving these easy tacos – what a delicious meal. Slow cooker meals are always a hit here!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 15, 2018 at 7:10 pm

      Thanks Debra! I’m a WHIMP!

      Reply
  12. Rob Ainbinder says

    May 9, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    We have tacos at least once a week and most every ingredient is in our pantry. So, these will go in rotation very soon!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 9, 2016 at 7:52 pm

      Woo hoo thank you Rob! I hope you’ll let me know what you think. We loved them. Enjoy your evening and thanks again for stopping by!

      Reply
  13. Kloe's Kitchen says

    May 4, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    Haha! I think we live off of our crockpot so this recipe would fit in or me and my family really well. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Scarlett says

    May 3, 2016 at 11:29 am

    My mouth is watering looking at these! I am crazy about tacos. I’m going to pin this. Thanks again for sharing at FF #117!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 3, 2016 at 3:18 pm

      Thank you Scarlett! (I just love your name!)

      Reply
  15. Lily says

    April 30, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    My husband is a huge taco fan, but I’m tired of the traditional ground beef tacos, so I love the idea of crockpot shredded chicken. Pinned for later!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 1, 2016 at 11:57 am

      Thank you Lily! We eat fish tacos too.

      Reply
  16. Frugal Hausfrau says

    April 30, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    Sounds delish and perfect for Cinco de Mayo!! Thanks for bringing this to Fiesta Friday!

    Mollie

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      Thank you so much! I appreciate you co-hosting! Have a wonderful FF and weekend!

      Reply
  17. Caroline says

    April 30, 2016 at 11:44 am

    That sounds like one truly delicious paste in with your chicken and your photos are drool worthy. Yum!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you so much Caroline!

      Reply
  18. cookingwithauntjuju.com says

    April 27, 2016 at 9:52 am

    I love tacos (I get Rick Bayless’ Taco Tuesday emails every Tues. if you’re interested) and I love to use my slow cookers all year long. Your recipe looks really good – I would have to do a taste test to see if I wanted more chiles.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 27, 2016 at 11:55 am

      Thank you Judi! I didn’t know about Rick Bayless Taco Tuesday emails. I’ll have to sign up. I need to use my crockpot more!

      Reply
      • cookingwithauntjuju.com says

        April 27, 2016 at 12:05 pm

        Josette (The Brookcook) told me about them – Rick posts a different taco recipe every Tues.

        Reply
        • Julie Menghini says

          April 28, 2016 at 7:33 am

          Thank you Judi!

          Reply
  19. Bam's Kitchen says

    April 27, 2016 at 8:51 am

    Julie, these tacos rock and so simple that you made them in the crock pot. I need to get a crock pot just so that I can cook your recipe. Gorgeous photos pinning and sharing!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 27, 2016 at 8:53 am

      Thank you! The oven would work too, but it heats the house up in the warmer weather so treat yourself! Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  20. Ivette says

    April 26, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    That looks really good! I’ve nominated you for the Creative Blogger Award! 🙂 If you’d like to participate, thats the link https://joyofspanishcooking.com/2016/04/25/the-creative-blogger-award/

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 26, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you so much Ivette! You are so sweet to nominate me. My fellow bloggers mean the world to me. Thank you so much for acknowledging me with this nomination. Hugs!

      Reply
  21. Annie @ GiveMeMeatloaf says

    April 26, 2016 at 9:05 am

    Wow, these look fabulous! I will absolutely try these!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 26, 2016 at 9:45 am

      Thank you Annie! I hope you’ll let me know what you think!

      Reply
  22. Debbie Spivey says

    April 26, 2016 at 8:47 am

    You had me at chipotle!

    Reply
  23. Loretta says

    April 26, 2016 at 8:09 am

    Wonderfully spicy and savory tacos Julie. I find anything you put in the crockpot becomes a great meal for shredding, even pork. Love the chipotle flavors, and I like the idea of mashing up the avocado. The great thing about a crock pot too in the summer time, is it does not heat up the kitchen. I tend to leave out the curries in the summertime as it is so hot, but I’ve since cooked it twice in a slow cooker, and it has been amazing! So looking forward to cooking it every so often in my crockpot. Do you use a special type of tortilla for your tacos?

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 26, 2016 at 11:18 pm

      Thank you Loretta! We cook outside a lot in the summer. I don’t like heating up the kitchen either. I’ve found taco shells at my grocery store that aren’t cooked called tortilla land. We really like them a lot.

      Reply
  24. Celebrating Sunshine says

    April 26, 2016 at 7:02 am

    Haha,”ole cast iron stomach”! So funny! As for your tacos… they look amazing! I’ll bring the Margarita! 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 26, 2016 at 7:28 am

      Ha!! Thank you Ana

      Reply
  25. Elaine @ foodbod says

    April 26, 2016 at 1:05 am

    Great flavours! I know my menfolk would love this…I take it I could replicate it in the oven?

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 26, 2016 at 7:29 am

      Thank you Elaine! Yes you could. I think most recipes from a crock pot can be made in a covered pot in the oven.

      Reply
      • Elaine @ foodbod says

        April 26, 2016 at 12:49 pm

        Cool 🙂 x

        Reply
  26. Johanne Lamarche says

    April 25, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    This will be another favorite with my sons. Yum!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 25, 2016 at 8:37 pm

      I thought of you Johanne! I know they will like this one. You can make a boat load of this stuff and put it in the freezer for when those boys need fed.

      Reply
      • Johanne Lamarche says

        April 25, 2016 at 9:05 pm

        You know us too well Julie!

        Reply
  27. [email protected] says

    April 25, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    Ok, so I have had a MAD craving for tacos for WEEKS now and this officially just sent that craving over the top Julie, so…thanks. I think lol

    I love that these were made in a crockpot, I don’t use mine nearly as much either. Guess it’s time to change that huh? 😉

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 25, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks Jess! Ha! Our stomachs think alike. I love food like this when it gets a little nicer out. I need to use that crock pot more too!

      Reply
  28. freda says

    April 25, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    Such a fabulous recipe, it looks delicious, Julie 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 25, 2016 at 8:40 pm

      Thank you Freda!

      Reply
  29. Shari says

    April 25, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    These look absolutely wonderful, Julie! I love everything about them. Chipotle peppers are one of my favorite things, and I love all the spices you incorporated into the meat. Yum! Pinning to make soon!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 25, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      Thank you Shari! Did you ever get a chance to try the dry rub? I put it on boneless skinless chicken thighs last week and used them on salads for lunch.

      Reply
      • Shari says

        April 26, 2016 at 12:09 pm

        I didn’t yet, but still plan to. Last week just got crazy for me. By the way, do you coat the chicken in oil first?

        Reply
        • Julie Menghini says

          April 26, 2016 at 8:54 pm

          I do Shari. I usually use olive oil so the rub adheres and it also helps keep the chicken moist

          Reply
  30. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    April 25, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Spicy tacos are a hit in our house and your chipotle chicken ones sound great.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 25, 2016 at 12:52 pm

      Thank you Karen! We enjoyed them and they freeze well too.

      Reply
  31. Sarah says

    April 25, 2016 at 10:47 am

    I love using my Crockpot! And boy do we love tacos in our house. I see this in our very near future 🙂 Pinned!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 25, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Thank you Sarah! They freeze well to so you can make a bunch and freeze the rest for a busy day.

      Reply
  32. James says

    April 25, 2016 at 10:00 am

    These look fantastic, Julie!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 25, 2016 at 12:58 pm

      Thank you James! Home up for sale yet?

      Reply

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