Get ready to elevate your taco night with these mouth-watering Slow Cooker Chicken Street Tacos! This easy-to-follow recipe will have you enjoying tender, flavorful chicken wrapped in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend meal.

Three Chicken Street Tacos on parchment paper

Why You'll Love This Irresistible Bite

Effortless Preparation. Just set it and forget it—let your slow cooker do all the work.
Flavorful. The blend of spices infuses the chicken with a rich, zesty flavor.
Versatile. Customize with your favorite toppings and sides.

These tacos offer a perfect balance of simplicity and taste. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, soaking up the aromatic spices for an unforgettable meal.

What Makes A Taco A Street Taco?

Street tacos are generally smaller than regular tacos, often made with small corn tortillas, usually about 4-5 inches in diameter. This size makes them easy to eat on the go, which is why they are popular as street food.

Street tacos tend to feature simple, fresh ingredients. The fillings are often minimalistic, focusing on high-quality, flavorful meats such as grilled or marinated chicken, beef, pork, or fish.

Are Chicken Street Tacos Healthy?

While chicken street tacos can be a healthy choice, it's essential to consider the overall balance of your diet and to enjoy them in moderation, especially if they are paired with rich toppings or sides.

Ingredients You'll Need

Chicken Breasts- The main protein of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the tacos.
Olive Oil- Helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
Salt and Pepper- Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
Garlic Powder- Adds a savory depth, infusing the chicken with a warm, aromatic flavor.
Onion Powder- Contributes a subtle sweetness and a mild onion flavor.
Cumin- Brings warmth and earthiness to the dish, adding a distinct, aromatic spice.
Chili Powder- Provides a mild heat, contributing a bit of spice and complexity.
Paprika- Adds a rich color and a subtle smokiness to the chicken.
Lime Juice- Adds a tangy brightness, helping to tenderize the chicken and enhance its flavor.
Chicken Broth- Keeps the chicken juicy and adds depth to the flavor.
Corn Tortillas- A traditional choice for street tacos, providing a soft and slightly chewy base that complements the chicken.
Cilantro- Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor.
Onion- Adds a crunchy texture and a sharp, pungent flavor, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Lime Wedges- Provide an extra burst of citrus, allowing each diner to add a personal touch of brightness to their taco.

How To Make Chicken Street Tacos

Prepare the Chicken. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
Add Liquid Ingredients. Pour in the lime juice and chicken broth. This will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with additional flavor.
Cook. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to soak up the juices.
Warm the Tortillas. While the chicken is soaking up the flavors, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this on a skillet or directly over a gas flame for a slightly charred, authentic taste.
Assemble the Tacos. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of shredded chicken. Top with cilantro, diced onion, and any additional toppings you like.
Serve. Serve the tacos warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Overhead image of Chicken Street Tacos on a wooden cutting board

Tips And Tricks

Creating perfect slow cooker chicken street tacos involves a few key tips and tricks to ensure your dish is flavorful, tender, and delicious. Here’s how you can make the best chicken street tacos in your slow cooker:

Layer Flavors. When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them thoughtfully. Place the chicken breasts on the bottom, then sprinkle the seasonings, followed by the lime juice and chicken broth. This helps ensure that the flavors penetrate the chicken evenly.
Don't Overcook. Slow cookers can sometimes make chicken dry if overcooked. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred Chicken Properly. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken while still in the slow cooker. This allows the meat to absorb more of the flavorful juices. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken, shred it, and then return it to the slow cooker.

Variations

Slow cooker chicken street tacos are versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some creative variations to try:

Spicy- Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Chicken Tinga Tacos- Use a mix of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced tomatoes, and onions. This will give the chicken a smoky, slightly spicy flavor characteristic of chicken tinga.
Citrus Garlic- Incorporate additional citrus flavors by adding orange juice and zest along with lime juice. Use plenty of fresh garlic for a zesty, garlicky profile.

What To Eat With Chicken Street Tacos

Chicken street tacos are delicious and versatile, making them easy to pair with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your tacos:

Mexican Rice- A classic side that pairs well with the flavors of chicken street tacos, often seasoned with tomato, garlic, and spices.
Refried Beans- A creamy and flavorful side, either vegetarian or with added bacon or chorizo for extra flavor.
Guacamole- Fresh, creamy guacamole adds a rich, cool contrast to the warm tacos.
Pico de Gallo- A fresh tomato salsa with onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It's a refreshing addition that adds a bit of crunch and tang.
Elote- Grilled corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.

How Long Do They Last?

Store any leftover chicken separate from the tortillas and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can You Freeze Them?

Absolutely! The chicken also freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze the cooked chicken in individual portions for easy, future meals. Simply thaw and reheat as needed.

More Tasty Tacos

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Chicken Street Tacos | Slow Cooker Chicken Street Tacos