Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

These Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are so fun – use the chicken for tacos, burrito bowls, salads and more!

Ingredients and substitutions

• Corn tortillas – use flour tortillas or lettuce wraps instead.
• Chicken breast – chicken thighs can also be used for this recipe.
• Chicken broth – use vegetable broth or a bouillon cube mixed with water to replace the chicken broth.
• Yellow onion – red onion, white onion or sweet onions are all great alternatives.
• Chili powder – cayenne pepper, crushed chili flakes or paprika can be used in place of chili powder.
• Garlic powder – use fresh or jarred minced garlic.
• Salt – to taste.
• Chipotle peppers – the best option is the canned variety that comes in an adobo sauce. You could also use some sliced up jalapenos.
• Cilantro – if you’re not a fan of cilantro, leave this out altogether.
• Salsa – use a homemade or store-bought salsa or pico de gallo of your choice.

Pineapple salsa

• Frozen or diced pineapple – you could try making this salsa with peaches or mango.
• Lime juice – freshly squeezed lime juice is best but bottled lime or lemon juice would both work.
• Red onion – top with green onions or shallots in a pinch.
• Cilantro – leave this out if you don’t like cilantro.
• Salt – to taste.

How to make chicken tacos in the crockpot

1. Add everything to the crockpot.
2. Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.
3. Shred the chicken.
4. Serve with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Making shredded chicken in the slow cooker

Making shredded chicken in a slow cooker is the ultimate, all-purpose skill to have! Shredded chicken is so versatile and can be the perfect addition to tacos, wraps, sandwiches, salads or casseroles. The best part is that it practically cooks itself in the slow cooker and you can freeze the leftovers for later.

To make shredded chicken in the slow cooker, follow these easy steps:

• Add chicken breast or thighs to the slow cooker. Add your seasoning of choice as well as chicken broth then set to cook. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
• Once cooked, remove only the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with a fork and knife.
• Add the chicken back into the broth and allow the flavours to seep into the pulled chicken.
• Use right away or freeze for a future recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and reheating

If you’re storing these delicious tacos for later, make sure to store the components separately to avoid a soggy mess.

The shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, sprinkle some water over top and then microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed. You can use it to make fresh tacos or another recipe like burritos or salad!

You can keep the rest of the toppings like the pineapple salsa in the fridge for up to 5 days. I suggest keeping the tortillas in a cool and dry place to keep them from drying up or hardening. No one likes stale tortillas, after all.

Freezing the shredded chicken

If you're looking to meal prep like a boss, double or triple the servings of chicken because it is super freezer-friendly and will last in the freezer for up to 3 months!

To freeze, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature and then freeze it in individual portions in freezer-safe Ziploc bags or glass bowls. I recommend freezing the extra chicken in small portions that are pre-measured so you can add them to dishes like pasta, soup or salads as you cook them.

When ready to use, defrost the chicken in the fridge overnight or reheat it in the microwave for 5-6 minutes. Be sure to sprinkle about 1 tbsp of water overtop if microwaving and stir halfway through the reheating time to avoid any leftover chicken taste and to ensure that the chicken doesn't try out.

More slow cooker recipes

• The Easiest Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
• Crockpot Chicken and Rice
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Meal prep tools for this recipe

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this shredded chicken into meal prep.
• I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
• Use these Ziploc bag holders if you're marinating the chicken then freezing it.
• Freeze this recipe in glass microwave-safe bowls up to 3 months.