Description
This Easy Crockpot Mexican Shredded Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken seasoned with smoky and spicy spices, perfect for meal prepping or adding to tacos, salads, or burrito bowls. With just 15 minutes of prep and the convenience of slow cooking, it’s a hands-off meal that packs authentic Mexican taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Spices
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (omit if your other spices include salt, adjust after cooking)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Additional Ingredients
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil, for searing
- 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chilis in adobo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped, grated, or minced
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to create an even seasoning blend.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, then massage the spices into the meat to coat thoroughly.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat and add a spritz of cooking spray or a small drizzle of vegetable oil. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear each side for about 2 minutes until browned and fragrant. This step locks in flavor and adds depth.
- Transfer to crockpot: Place the seared chicken breasts in the crockpot insert. Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, the chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, and the minced garlic. Toss gently to combine all ingredients around the chicken.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken is done when it easily falls apart with a fork, perfect for shredding.
- Shred and serve: Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the sauce to soak up extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- This crockpot Mexican chicken is juicy, tender, and bursting with smoky, spicy flavors.
- Searing the chicken first enhances the depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Adjust the salt based on the salt content of canned ingredients and personal preference.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken for the best texture.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
