Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

SERVES 6 · GF, DF

Everyone wants recipes that are quicker than quick. And although I can’t teach my students to cook in no time, I do have a few good recipes that take just a few minutes of prep. This is one of them. Obviously the chicken needs time to cook, but it’s inactive time. I toss everything into the slow cooker before I leave for work in the morning and I come home to the aroma of a Tex-Mex fiesta. This recipe is one of the most popular on my blog and an absolute staple. You can double the recipe (no extra cooking time needed) and make a big batch of this chicken for parties. All you need are some great toppings and tortillas. I like to use a big lettuce leaf instead of a tortilla for a lighter meal. Leftovers are great in enchiladas, quesadillas, or a grain bowl.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs (I use 2 breasts and 3 thighs)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

½ cup prepared tomato salsa (I use pico de gallo) + more for serving

Suggested accompaniments: GF corn tortillas, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce

1. Place the chicken in a slow cooker and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the garlic and salsa and rub around to combine. Cover; cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours.

2. Either shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker or transfer to a plate to shred. Moisten the chicken with the cooking juices and serve as desired with tortillas or taco shells and the suggested toppings.

image Grain bowl idea: Shredded chicken over rice with lettuce, avocado, and fresh cilantro

image Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In step 1, place all the ingredients (except the accompaniments) in a 5-quart Dutch oven or ovenproof pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add 2 cups of water or chicken stock. Cover and bake until the chicken is fork-tender, about 2 hours. Proceed with step 2.