Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

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Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos – Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor!

Origin of the Recipe

Queso chicken is a Tex-Mex fusion dish, combining Mexican-inspired flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. Slow cooker meals became widely popular in American households as an easy way to prepare tender, flavorful meats without much effort. These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a perfect example of comfort food meets convenience, delivering bold flavors, melty cheese, and juicy shredded chicken in every bite.

Introduction

If you love tacos, creamy queso, and slow cooker meals, this recipe is for you! Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a set-it-and-forget-it meal that results in juicy, cheesy, and flavorful shredded chicken. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, taco nights, meal prep, or even game day. Serve them in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex feast!

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Queso Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on preference)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

For the Tacos:

  • 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle with taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Pour in Rotel tomatoes, salsa, and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Low Setting: Cook for 6-7 hours for the juiciest texture.
  • High Setting: Cook for 3-4 hours if short on time.

Step 3: Add the Queso

  1. About 30 minutes before serving, add cubed cream cheese and shredded Mexican cheese into the slow cooker.
  2. Stir gently to combine and allow the cheeses to melt into the sauce.
  3. If using, stir in heavy cream for extra richness.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

  1. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
  2. Stir everything together so the queso sauce coats the chicken evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
  2. Fill each tortilla with queso chicken.
  3. Top with cilantro, diced onion, tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, and sour cream.
  4. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Serve immediately and enjoy these cheesy, delicious Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos!

Description

These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum taste. The juicy, slow-cooked chicken infused with taco seasoning and rich queso sauce makes every bite irresistible.

Tips for Success

  • Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: They stay more tender and don’t dry out as easily.
  • For a Spicy Kick: Use hot salsa or add chopped jalapeños.
  • Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and swap cream cheese for light cream cheese.
  • Use Store-Bought Queso Dip: Instead of shredded cheese and cream cheese, you can add 1 cup of store-bought queso dip in the last 30 minutes.
  • Make it Keto-Friendly: Serve over lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 380
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 740mg

(Values are approximate and depend on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes! Store the queso chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

2. Can I freeze the queso chicken?
Absolutely! Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan.

3. Can I use store-bought queso instead of homemade?
Yes! Add 1 cup of store-bought queso dip in the last 30 minutes of slow cooking.

4. What other toppings work well?
Try pickled red onions, crumbled cotija cheese, refried beans, or shredded lettuce.

5. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook the chicken, seasoning, salsa, and Rotel on Manual High Pressure for 12 minutes, then shred and stir in the cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a side of chips and guacamole.
  • Enjoy with a refreshing margarita or agua fresca.

Related Recipes

For more delicious Tex-Mex meals, check out:

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making them a must-try for taco night. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, party, or meal prep, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal! 🌮🔥🧀

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