There's nothing better than coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked queso chicken ready to be tucked into warm tortillas. These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavorsโperfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or a fun taco night with family and friends.

I first made this dish on a busy weekday when I needed something effortless yet satisfying. Tossing everything into the slow cooker and coming back hours later to a melty, flavor-packed filling felt like a magic trick. Now, itโs one of our go-to meals because it's easy, versatile, and unbelievably delicious.
Why You'll Love These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Get ready to fall in love with the easiest, most flavorful tacos you'll ever make. These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are a game-changer, and hereโs why:
First, theyโre ridiculously easy to make. Just throw a handful of ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. No standing over a stove or babysitting a skilletโyour slow cooker does all the work!
Second, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy queso, and zesty seasonings creates a taco filling thatโs rich, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex goodness.
Theyโre also incredibly versatile. Serve them in soft flour tortillas, crunchy taco shells, or even over rice for a delicious burrito bowl. You can also customize the toppings to suit your tasteโavocado, fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, or a drizzle of extra queso all work beautifully.
Finally, this recipe is great for meal prep. The leftovers are just as tasty the next day and can be repurposed into burritos, nachos, or even a cheesy chicken dip for tortilla chips.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos is in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the dish absolutely irresistible.
- Chicken breasts โ I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, tender result. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier filling.
- Queso dip โ This is what makes these tacos ultra-creamy and cheesy! You can use store-bought queso (like white queso dip) or make your own if you prefer.
- Taco seasoning โ A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika gives the chicken that bold, classic taco flavor. Use a store-bought packet or make your own at home!
- Rotel tomatoes โ A can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) adds just the right amount of spice and zest.
- Chicken broth โ Keeps the chicken moist and helps develop a rich, savory flavor as it cooks.
- Tortillas โ I love using soft flour tortillas, but corn tortillas or crispy taco shells work just as well!
Equipment Needed:
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Forks for shredding the chicken
- Tongs for serving
How To Make Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Making these Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos couldnโt be easier! Follow these simple steps, and youโll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time.
1. Prep the slow cooker:
Place your chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the top. This ensures the chicken absorbs all the bold, zesty flavors as it cooks.
2. Add the liquids:
Pour in the Rotel tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
3. Let it cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
4. Shred the chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, letting it soak up all the flavorful juices.
5. Add the queso:
Stir in the queso dip and mix until everything is beautifully creamy and well combined. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
6. Assemble the tacos:
Warm up your tortillas, spoon the cheesy shredded chicken inside, and top with your favorite garnishesโfresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, or a drizzle of extra queso!
Storage Options
These tacos store beautifully, making them a great meal-prep option for the week.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover queso chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the shredded chicken mixture in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm up the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it creamy. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Variations and Substitutions
This Slow Cooker Queso Chicken recipe is incredibly flexible! Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add a diced jalapeรฑo or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy version.
- Different Protein: Swap the chicken for pork, ground beef, or even shrimp to mix things up.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the tortillas and serve the queso chicken over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly meal.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in black beans, corn, or sautรฉed bell peppers for a more filling and colorful taco mixture.
- Homemade Queso: Want to go the extra mile? Make your own homemade queso with melted white cheddar, cream cheese, and diced green chilies.
These Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos are everything you want in a tacoโcreamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you're making them for a weeknight dinner, game day, or meal prep, theyโre guaranteed to be a hit.
Try them once, and I promise theyโll become a regular in your taco rotation. Enjoy! ๐ฎ๐
PrintSlow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe
This Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos recipe is a delicious and easy meal featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in a creamy queso sauce. Made with simple ingredients like chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- ยฝ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ยฝ cup chicken broth
- 8 small tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeรฑos
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.
- Pour salsa and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Stir in queso dip and shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve in warm tortillas with desired toppings.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Substitute queso dip with cream cheese for a milder flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
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