Slow cooker tequila lime chicken tacos are an easy Tex-Mex dinner that cooks right in your crock pot all day long.
The flavors absorb into the meat during the long cooking process so that when you're ready to eat you've got delicious chicken that just melts in your mouth. Perfect weeknight recipe anytime of the year!
Table of Contents
Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.
🗝️ Key takeaways
- Easy recipe to prep with just a few pantry ingredients. I like to double or triple the recipe and freeze it in meal-sized portions.
- I love
slow cooker tequila chicken for quick, grab-and-go dinners any time of the year. Leaving the crockpot on warm lets everyone eat on their own schedule when life is busy. Hello, back to school! - Preparing taco fixings the night before makes this family favorite so quick and easy that it's almost like eating in a restaurant!
This is one of my favorite recipes and one that I've included in my Mexican
There's almost no preparation time - you toss all of the tequila lime chicken ingredients in the
Seriously - someone should make a candle.
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📖 Variations
- Chicken thighs have more flavor and stay juicier in this recipe but chicken breasts can be used.
- Boneless pork works well, too.
- Prefer not to use tequila? Use pineapple juice in the same amount instead.
🤫 Cook's secrets -
I like to just put all of the toppings in small bowls and let people build their own tacos - it just doesn't get easier.
🍴 Equipment
- slow cooker
- measuring cups and spoons
- chef's knife
- cutting board
🥫 How to store leftovers
Let chicken come to room temperature and then transfer to an airtight container or heavy ziptop bag (ziploc). Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
This easy tequila chicken can be used in tacos, casseroles, salads, and more!
Marye's Tip
I just drop the dried ancho in the
💭 Things to know
- Cook this on low heat. High heat can make it tough.
- You can put all the ingredients for the chicken in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, dump it in the
slow cooker , and forget about it!
👩🍳 FAQs
Have other questions? Ask me in the comments!
You can! Add all the ingredients for the chicken to a freezer bag with the raw chicken. Let it marinate overnight. Next day you can bake, grill, or pan fry.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of ancho chili or use a milder chili like pasilla. For a spicier kick, add more dried ancho chilies, or substitute with dried chipotle or cayenne pepper.
Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and a fresh corn salad. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works great too.
📚 Related recipes
🍽️ Repurpose leftovers
This chicken is a great way to save time later because once it's cooked and shredded it can be used in almost any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.
📞 The last word
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos
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Tequila Lime Chicken
- 1-½ pounds boneless chicken thighs, , or boneless chicken breast
- ¾ cup tequila, , may substitute pineapple juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, , chopped
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo, , mashed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ancho chiles, , dried
Taco Fixings
- 12 corn tortilla
- red onion, , chopped
- avocado, , diced
- cilantro, , chopped
- queso quesadilla cheese, grated or crumbled
- salsa
- lime wedges
- shredded red cabbage
- chopped tomatoes
- sour cream
Instructions
Night Before (if you want to prep ahead of time)
- Peel and chop onion. Add to airtight storage container and refrigerate.
- Dice tomatoes and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Cut limes in wedges and seal in an airtight container - refrigerate.
- Pit, peel, and dice avocado. Toss in lime juice and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Chop cilantro fine. Add to a storage container and refrigerate.
- Shred cabbage. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tequila Lime Chicken
- Combine all of the tequila lime chicken ingredients in your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove the ancho chile and discard.
- Shred the chicken and return to the slow cooker for 15 minutes.
Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a damp towel in the microwave.
- Add some of the shredded chicken.
- Top with your prepared toppings and squeeze a little lime over it just before eating.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
First published September 14, 2017. Last updated May 29, 2024 to improve readability and add more helpful content.
Laurie L Kearnes says
We're having a taco party to celebrate our new house - inviting lots of friends over. This will definitely be on the menu! I love how easy it is and it is SO good. I love the chipotle en adobo in it.
Frannie says
I made this yesterday and we all loved it! Glad i doubled the recipe - there was plenty to send home with my kids. I did add salt and a pinch of sugar as well as two tablespoons of tomato paste. This paired with a sweet slaw and the rest of the taco bar ingredients is the bomb.
Marye Audet says
SO glad you liked it, Frannie!