Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce

🌮 Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce
Tender shredded chicken + creamy avocado-cilantro sauce = taco night perfection.
These Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a dream for busy weeknights. The chicken cooks low and slow in a blend of Mexican-inspired spices, tomatoes, and lime juice, becoming incredibly flavorful and juicy. Top it all off with a vibrant, cool avocado-cilantro sauce—and taco night suddenly feels gourmet.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Game-day gatherings
- Make-ahead meal prep
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or use homemade – see below)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Avocado-Cilantro Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
- 1–2 tbsp lime juice (to taste)
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2–4 tbsp water (to thin as needed)
- Salt, to taste
To Serve:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: shredded cabbage, queso fresco, pickled red onions, diced tomatoes, etc.
- Lime wedges for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Add chicken, broth, tomatoes, seasoning, onion, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred chicken with two forks in the crockpot. Stir to mix with the juices.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Tip: Store in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning. Best used within 24–48 hours.
3. Assemble the Tacos
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or oven.
- Fill with shredded chicken, drizzle with the avocado-cilantro sauce, and add your favorite toppings.
- Serve with lime wedges for a bright finishing touch.
🌿 Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Pickled red onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Salsa, hot sauce, or extra avocado sauce
🌶️ Make It Your Way
Dairy-Free Sauce: Use plain almond or soy yogurt, or silken tofu
Spicy Sauce: Add jalapeño, hot sauce, or cayenne
Kid-Friendly: Skip the spice, use milder seasoning, and sweeten the sauce slightly
No Cilantro? Try parsley, basil, or green onion + mint instead
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These tacos pair well with:
- Cilantro-lime rice or Mexican rice
- Elote (Mexican street corn) or esquites
- Refried or black beans
- Cucumber-lime salad or watermelon-mint salad
- Tortilla chips with salsa, queso, or guacamole
🥗 Leftovers? Use Them Creatively:
- Burrito bowls with rice, beans, and toppings
- Taco salads with crispy tortilla strips
- Loaded nachos baked with cheese and topped with sauce
- Lettuce wraps or low-carb bowls
- Tostadas or arepas with a slaw topping
📌 Notes & Tips
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Mix 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, pinch of cayenne, and salt.
- Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving than breasts.
- Make-ahead friendly: Cook the chicken and make the sauce a day ahead for easy party prep.
- Yield: About 12 tacos (serves 6)
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a weekend gathering, these Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce are guaranteed to be a hit. Bold flavor, easy prep, and endless ways to serve make this recipe a keeper in any kitchen.