Secrets from the Cookie Princess: Shredded Taco Chicken

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Shredded Taco Chicken

You will kick yourself for not figuring out how easy and delicious this is. I did. Super simple to put together, makes a ton so it's great for a crowd, and versatile for not just tacos but any dish where you would want to add some seasoned shredded chicken. I had some of this shredded chicken on hand and thought about using it in my Skillet Chicken Nachos a few weeks ago, which would have made that quick dish even quicker. Much as we love spice and heat, I actually enjoy that this shredded chicken is seasoned just enough, inviting you to put it on a taco and top it with sauce, salsa, jalapenos and all kinds of other goods. I've made this a handful of times in the past year, including last year's Cinco de Mayo party that centered around a make your own taco/burrito bar. I'll freeze leftovers for a quick weeknight meal, too. Just a few ingredients, a slow cooker and a few hours later, you've got the best tasting shredded chicken for some mighty fine tacos.

When I found this recipe on Pinterest last year, I was a bit confused because it links to Pedey's blog, Do You Smell That? where she has a version of this chicken made in a skillet with precooked chicken, seasoning and ranch dressing (which sounds perfect if you want to try this but don't have hours to wait for the crock pot). But the pin details give crock pot instructions. So I don't know if Pedey figured that out or if some random pinner shared this advice, but it's delicious and easy and that's all that matters. I seriously do make this all the time and encourage you to do the same. After you shred the chicken and put it back in the crock pot, it may seem like a lot of liquid. Most of it will absorb back into the shredded chicken, but feel free to drain a bit if it's still to much for your taste. The versatile shredded taco chicken will make delicious tacos, burritos or enchiladas, but would be great for any dish needing some shredded chicken with a touch of flavor.

Shredded Taco Chicken

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds chicken
2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1/4 cup taco mix
14 ounces chicken broth

Place chicken in the stoneware of a 4 quart crock pot. Sprinkle seasoning over top.

Then add chicken broth.

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

Remove chicken from crock pot and shred with two forks. Alternatively, place chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Pulse on low speed until shredded.