When you’re looking for a delicious, cheesy, and easy dinner that requires minimal effort, these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are the perfect solution. With tender, shredded chicken cooked in a flavorful mix of taco seasoning, tomatoes, green chilies, and salsa con queso, this meal is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for a simple dish to please the family, these tacos hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing the chicken with the delicious taco seasoning and allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. The addition of salsa con queso makes the chicken irresistibly cheesy, while the toppings like sour cream, lettuce, and cilantro give the tacos a fresh crunch. Plus, it’s a meal that’s customizable to your tastes—add your favorite garnishes or adjust the spice level as desired. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients

2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium-sized breasts)
1 ounce package mild taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
10-ounce can mild diced tomatoes and green chilies with juice
4-ounce can diced green chiles
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
15-ounce container salsa con queso
Street taco size flour tortillas
Shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Lightly spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper over the chicken breasts.
Pour the 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and green chilies and the 4-ounce can of diced green chiles over the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook on high for 4 hours.
Once the chicken is cooked, use 2 forks to shred the chicken breasts.
Pour the container of salsa con queso over the shredded chicken and stir to combine thoroughly. (Adjust the amount of salsa con queso based on your preference.)
Serve the cheesy chicken mixture in street taco size flour tortillas, and garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sour cream, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Add More Heat: For spicier tacos, use a can of hot diced tomatoes and green chilies or add chopped jalapeños to the slow cooker.
Use Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, swap the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for a mix of beans, corn, and vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Taco Sauce: Top your tacos with your favorite taco sauce, hot sauce, or even guacamole for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken mixture in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also add a bit of extra queso to the mixture for added creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in the slow cooker ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat the chicken and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just be sure to cook it for an extra hour, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook than thawed chicken.

What can I use if I don’t have salsa con queso?

If you don’t have salsa con queso, you can substitute with a blend of shredded cheese and a bit of salsa to get a similar cheesy flavor.

How do I make the chicken more flavorful?

You can increase the amount of taco seasoning, add a squeeze of lime juice, or mix in some chopped fresh cilantro for more flavor.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas work great for these tacos. You can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the shredded chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I make these tacos spicy?

Yes, to make them spicy, you can use a spicy salsa con queso or add more diced green chilies and jalapeños to the slow cooker.

How can I serve these tacos for a crowd?

To serve a crowd, simply double or triple the recipe and use larger tortillas, like burrito-sized ones, or serve the cheesy chicken mixture with taco shells for a taco bar.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can substitute the salsa con queso with any cheese that melts well, such as shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both.

Can I add other toppings to the tacos?

Absolutely! Consider adding sliced avocado, chopped onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are an incredibly easy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. With minimal prep time and the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you’ll have tender, cheesy chicken ready to be served in just a few hours. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit!