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Crockpot Birria Chicken Tacos: A Flavor-Packed, Effortless Dinner

The Easiest Way to Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Tacos at Home

There’s nothing better than taco night, but let’s be honest—some taco recipes take way too much time and effort. Between prepping the meat, slow-simmering the sauce, and getting all the toppings ready, it can feel like more work than it’s worth.

That’s exactly why I love these Crockpot Birria Chicken Tacos. They bring all the deep, rich flavors of traditional birria without requiring hours in the kitchen. This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals where you throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.

And when dinner time rolls around? The chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky, spicy flavor. Just shred it, pile it onto warm tortillas, and top with creamy avocado, crisp onion, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of Baja taco sauce.

The best part? This recipe works for any dietary goal, whether you’re keeping it light, upping your protein, or making it extra indulgent. Plus, if you’re into meal prep, this chicken stores beautifully in glass meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

And if you don’t have a Crockpot yet, trust me—this recipe alone makes it worth getting one. It’s my go-to kitchen tool for effortless, flavorful meals, and it makes busy weeknights so much easier.

A crockpot full of shredded birria chicken. The shredded chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, with a deep brown color, in a slight brown broth. In the background, a rustic wooden table holds a small dish of lime wedges, a side of Low-Calorie Spanish Rice, and a bowl of salsa. A crockpot is visible in the background, slightly blurred, emphasizing the slow-cooked, effortless preparation. The setting is warm and inviting, evoking a cozy, home-cooked feel with natural lighting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal effort, maximum flavor – Just toss everything in the crockpot, and let it work its magic.
Restaurant-quality birria at home – No complicated steps, no expensive ingredients.
Perfect for meal prep – Stores beautifully in glass meal prep containers for easy leftovers.
Customizable for different calorie goals – Whether you want a lighter version or an extra indulgent one, I’ve got you covered.
Gluten-free friendly – Just swap flour tortillas for white corn, and you’re set.


Customizing These Birria Chicken Tacos for Your Goals

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit your calorie and macro goals. Whether you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, an extra protein boost, or something a little more indulgent, here are a few ways to adjust the recipe.

Lower Calorie Swaps

  • Use Mission Zero Net Carb Tortillas – These are a fantastic option for cutting carbs while still enjoying a soft, flavorful tortilla.
  • Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas – This cuts down on carbs and calories while keeping all the delicious toppings.
  • Go light on the avocado – Avocado adds healthy fats, but if you’re watching calories, using half the amount still gives you great flavor.
  • Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas – Corn tortillas are naturally lower in calories than flour.
  • Use fat-free Greek yogurt instead of Baja sauce – This keeps the creamy texture with fewer calories.
  • Load up on veggies – Add shredded lettuce, extra onions, or pickled radishes to bulk up the tacos without extra calories.

Higher Protein Options

  • Double the chicken – If you want more protein per serving, just increase the amount of chicken while keeping everything else the same.
  • Use extra egg whites in the sauce – Whisking in some pasteurized egg whites when shredding the chicken adds extra protein without changing the flavor.
  • Serve on high-protein tortillas – Brands like Mission Carb Balance or Protein Up wraps add an easy protein boost.
  • Top with crumbled queso fresco – Adds extra protein and a salty kick.

Making It Extra Indulgent

  • Use flour tortillas instead of corn – This makes for a softer, restaurant-style taco experience.
  • Pan-fry the tortillas in butter or oil – This gives the tacos that crispy, golden-brown texture.
  • Add shredded cheese – Melting some Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese into the chicken makes it even richer.
  • Drizzle with crema or chipotle mayo – Adds extra flavor and creaminess.
  • Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans – A full plate meal instead of just tacos.

Pair These Tacos with a Light & Flavorful Side

While these tacos are incredible on their own, they’re even better with a side of Low-Calorie Spanish Rice. This dish keeps all the classic flavors of traditional Spanish rice but is lighter and macro-friendly, making it a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake.

If you prefer something even simpler, try pairing your tacos with:

  • A side salad with lime vinaigrette
  • Roasted bell peppers and onions
  • Black beans with a squeeze of fresh lime

The Secret to Perfectly Tender Crockpot Chicken

Since this recipe has only a few ingredients, the cooking method makes all the difference. Here’s how to get the juiciest, most flavorful chicken every time:

  1. Use the right crockpot setting – Low and slow is best for tender chicken. I cook mine on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours.
  2. Shred the chicken in the juices – Once it’s done, let the shredded chicken soak up all the flavorful broth before serving.
  3. Don’t skip the resting time – Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes after shredding to absorb even more flavor.

If you don’t have a Crockpot yet, now is the time to invest in one. It’s a total game-changer for easy, flavorful meals that don’t require constant attention. I use mine at least twice a week, and it’s saved me so much time in the kitchen.


Meal Prep Tips for Birria Chicken

This chicken is amazing for meal prep because the flavors only get better as it sits. Here’s how to store and reheat it for easy meals all week:

  • Store in glass meal prep containers – These keep the chicken fresh and make reheating a breeze.
  • Reheat on the stovetop or microwave – Just add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
  • Use leftovers for different meals – This chicken isn’t just for tacos! Try it in burrito bowls, quesadillas, or even on a salad.

If you’re serious about meal prepping, investing in glass meal prep containers is a must. They keep food fresher than plastic, don’t absorb odors, and are microwave-safe for easy reheating.


Final Thoughts: Easy, Flavorful Tacos for Any Night of the Week

These Crockpot Birria Chicken Tacos prove that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home. With just a few ingredients and a Crockpot, you can create a meal that’s:

  • Effortless – Just toss it in the slow cooker and forget about it.
  • Versatile – Easy to customize for any dietary goals.
  • Perfect for meal prep – Store in glass meal prep containers and enjoy all week.

If you don’t have a Crockpot yet, this recipe alone is worth getting one. And if you love meal prepping, investing in glass meal prep containers will make storing and reheating meals so much easier.

What are your favorite taco toppings? Let me know in the comments!

A plate of freshly made birria chicken tacos, served on warm white corn tortillas. The shredded chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, with a deep reddish-brown color, topped with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and slices of ripe avocado. A drizzle of creamy Baja taco sauce adds a vibrant touch. In the background, a rustic wooden table holds a small dish of lime wedges, a side of Low-Calorie Spanish Rice, and a bowl of salsa. A crockpot is visible in the background, slightly blurred, emphasizing the slow-cooked, effortless preparation. The setting is warm and inviting, evoking a cozy, home-cooked feel with natural lighting.

Crockpot Chicken Birria Tacos

I love these Crockpot Birria Chicken Tacos. They bring all the deep, rich flavors of traditional birria without requiring hours in the kitchen. This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals where you throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
Cook Time 6 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1 packet birria seasoning from Spanglish Asadero
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to crockpot
  • Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 4-6 hours
  • Shred Chicken and assemble tacos on your favorite tortillas
  • Top with cheese, avocado, diced onion and cilantro. Finish with a spritz of lime.
Keyword Tacos

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