This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Need an easy dinner that always wins over the family? These Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are a weeknight favorite at our house. They’re full of flavor, simple to prep, and completely customizable. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a last-minute dinner, this is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Tacos
- Quick prep with simple ingredients you already have
- Works for both the Instant Pot and Slow Cooker
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Kid approved and perfect for family style dinners
- Easy to build into a salad, taco bowl, or wrap
- Freezer friendly for busy weeks
This chicken turns out juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice, lime, and zing.
A Tip for Parents: Taco Night Is a Lifesaver
When I want to introduce a new food or veggie to my kids, I wrap it in a tortilla and call it taco night. It may not always be a classic taco, but if it fits in a tortilla, it counts. I’ve filled them with everything from quinoa to soup, and somehow, the tortilla always saves the day.
If your little ones are still trying new textures and flavors, this is a great way to make meals fun and familiar. Keep tortillas on hand and let them build their own plate. They’ll feel like they are in charge, and you’ll get fewer mealtime battles.
How to Make These Chicken Tacos
Start by making your spice mix. Use a small bowl to stir together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Then add your apple cider vinegar and fresh lime juice to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in your Slow Cooker or Instant Pot, then pour the sauce on top. It’s that simple.
Cooking Times:
- Slow Cooker: High for 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours
- Instant Pot: High pressure for 10 minutes with natural release
Once it’s fully cooked, shred the chicken and let it soak in the flavorful sauce.
Topping Ideas and Serving Tips
These chicken tacos are made to be topped however you like. Use what you have on hand or create a taco bar with these options:
- Chopped tomatoes, onion, and fresh cilantro
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Sliced avocado or Easy 1 Minute Guacamole
- Cheese or dairy free cheese
- Beans or rice for extra staying power
- A scoop of Best Salsa Ever for more heat
You can serve them in warm tortillas or lettuce wraps. It’s also delicious over Cauliflower Rice if you want a grain free option.
To round out the meal, serve these tacos with a crisp House Salad or a flavor packed Mexican Street Corn Salad on the side. Both pair perfectly and turn this into a fresh, satisfying dinner everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Ground Corriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp Chipotle Powder, optional
- 3 tbsp Lime Juice
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 2 lbs Chicken Breast
Instructions
- For your Slow Cooker:
- Start by mixing together the dry spices and salt.
- Add each of the liquid ingredients to the spices. Whisk together until it resembles a sauce.
- Place Chicken Breast into the slow cooker and pour the sauce on top.
- Set your slow cooker to high (or read above to use a low setting).
- Start to check your chicken at around 3 hours to see if it can shred easily and is cooked all the way.
- The chicken should be perfect around 4 hours.
- For your Instant Pot:
- Start by mixing together the dry spices and salt.
- Add each of the liquid ingredients to the spices (add an additional 1/4 cup chicken broth). Whisk together until it resembles a sauce.
- Place chicken breast in your Instant Pot and cover with sauce.
- Secure the lid on your Instant Pot. Select the manual function and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Use a quick release and remove the lid. Shred chicken with a fork and serve with sauce with your favorite toppings.
