Honey Lime Salsa Verde Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

This 10 Minute Crockpot Salsa Chicken is perfect for busy nights

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Tacos โ€” the tangy sweet and spicy flavor of this chicken is out of this world! Pile it in seasoned taco shells, and you have some serious canโ€™t-stop-eating-deliciousness that couldnโ€™t be any easier!ย 

Thank you Flatout Flatbread for sponsoring this Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken post. ย All opinions are my own.

WATCH: Make these Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

salsa verde tacos lined up on a white platter


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SLOW COOKER SALSA VERDE CHICKEN TACOS

Iย  have a love obsession with salsa verde.ย  From my 3-Ingredient Salsa Verde Chicken to my creamyย Green Chile Chicken Enchiladasย smothered in a luscious, white sauce infuses with sour cream, green chiles and salsa verde to my Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas. ย These enchiladas are unlike many of the recipes out there by the same name that use heavy cream.ย  Instead, my recipe combines extra honey and lime with extra salsa verde for an explosion of flavor that equals my husbandโ€™s favorite enchiladas. ย Ever.
As I started thinking about those enchiladas, I started obsessing about them. ย I needed that fiestaย of flavors โ€” in my mouth. ย But weโ€™ve been having a heat wave around here and when its extraย hot, I love my slow cooker just as much as I love my grill. ย So in went chicken, salsa verde, honey, lime, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, etcโ€ฆ
And out cameย Crockpot salsa verde chicken tacos without even breaking a sweat (at least from cooking). And barely raising a finger.

close up of crockpot salsa verde chicken

How to MAke

Letโ€™s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

After you shred your chicken, it will seem like there is a ton of juice/liquid let, but let the shredded chicken soak in the salsa verde honey lime bath for 20-30 minutes more and you will be amazed at how much deliciousness it drinks up. ย And even more amazed when the chicken enters your mouth.

Now as much as you will want to devour this Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken plain, it is perfect to stuff inย burritos, chimichangas and enchiladas and pile on nachos, tostadas and salads -โ€” but my favorite way to devour slow cooker salsa verde chicken is in Tacos with pico de gallo, guacamole and a side of Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Style Rice!ย 

But these arenโ€™t just any tacos, these are mini taco shells made of guilt-free Flatout Foldit Ancient Grains Flatbread that get brushed with the seasoned juices from your slow cooker then hung on the oven rungs and baked to golden crispy taco perfection (see video of techniqueย HERE, and start dreaming of the seasoned taco shell possibilities! ย BBQ Sauce,ย Pesto, Buffalo Sauce, etc.). ย The shells are hearty, crispy on the outside while still tender on the inside, perfect to cocoon Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken piled high with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, sour cream. ย And perfect to eat 5 in one sitting. ย  At least.

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken. ย For the most delicious, easy โ€œdump and runโ€ meal. ย For your tangy, sweet and spicy chicken cravings. ย For your otherworldly delicious taco cravings. ย For you. ย With love. ย  ย ย 

slow cooker salsa verde chicken piled on a white plate with a fork sticking out
ingredient icon

INGREDIENTS IN SALSA VERDE TACOS

These slow cooker chicken tacos have a simple ingredients list:

  • Chicken breasts: I prefer using boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe.
  • Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Salsa verde: You can use your favorite store-bought salsa verde, or you can make it yourself.
  • Honey: Balances out the spices perfectly.
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed in best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
  • Spices: I flavored the slow cooker salsa verde chicken with chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper.
  • Flatout FolidIt Flatbread: The base of the tacos.
  • Taco toppings: Use your favorite toppings, like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce, and so on!

    Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken (and Tacos!) - the flavor of this chicken is out of this world! the best "dump and run" meal I have ever made! Love the sweet, tangy spicy Mexican chicken for tacos, burritos, tostadas, salads, etc. Couldnโ€™t be any easier!

    How to make Salsa Chicken Crockpot Tacos

    Letโ€™s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

    1. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and place in the bottom of your slow cooker.
    2. Add all of the remaining Slow Cooker ingredients.
    3. Cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender enough to shred.
    4. Remove chicken to a cutting board, and let rest 5 minutes before shredding.
    5. Return shredded chicken and let cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes to absorb some of the liquid/juices.
    6. Season the Foldit Flatbread Taco Shells (detailed instructions in the recipe card below).
    7. Stuff taco shells with chicken and top with desired taco toppings.
    process shot showing how to shred slow cooker salsa verde chicken

    Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos Crockpot tips and tricks

    • For spicier tacos, add extra hot sauce and / or cayenne pepper to the chicken.
    • I highly recommend using boneless chicken breasts to make these easy chicken tacos. Boneless chicken breasts are easier to shred and you wonโ€™t have to worry about chomping down on any bones.
    • The original recipe stated ยฝ cup honey, so if you have made this recipe previous to 2/22/2017 and thought it was perfect, that is the amount you used. ย This was too sweet for some, so I have adjusted it to 1/3-1/2. ย You can start with โ…“ cup and add more to taste if desired.

      Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos variations to try

      • Sweeten it up:ย with additional honey.
      • Spice it up: ย add additional chili powder or chipotle chili powder to taste.
      • Make taco salad: Instead making salsa verde tacos, you could use this chicken to make taco salads or burrito bowls.
      top view of flatbread taco shells on a wood cutting board
      flatbread taco shells on a wood cutting board

      What to serve with Salsa Verde Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

      Slow cooker chicken tacos are a spectacular main event that donโ€™t need much by the way of sides.ย  I love serving them withย grilled corn, watermelon, andย cilantro lime rice. ย 
      These easy chicken tacos are also fabulous with:

      salsa verde tacos in hard taco shells on a white platter
          salsa verde taco being held up close for inspection

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          ย 

          Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken (and Tacos!) - the flavor of this chicken is out of this world! the best "dump and run" meal I have ever made! Love the sweet, tangy spicy Mexican chicken for tacos, burritos, tostadas, salads, etc. Couldnโ€™t be any easier!

          SLOW COOKER SALSA VERDE HONEY LIME CHICKEN

          Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken (and Tacos!) โ€“ the flavor of this chicken is out of this world AKA the best "dump and run" meal you will ever make! Use the sweet, tangy spicy Mexican chicken for tacos, burritos, tostadas, salads, etc.
          Servings: 12 -24 mini tacos*
          Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
          Prep Time: 10 minutes
          Cook Time: 4 hours

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          Ingredients

          Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken

          • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
          • 1 tablespoon olive oil
          • 1 cup mild salsa verde (medium for a kick) (I use roasted Herdez in the jar)
          • 1/3-1/2 cup honey
          • 1/2 cup lime juice
          • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
          • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
          • 1 teaspoon onion powder
          • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
          • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
          • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
          • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
          • cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste

          Tacos

          Instructions

          • Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and place in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add all of the remaining Slow Cooker ingredients except for the hot sauce. Cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender enough to shred.
          • Remove chicken to a cutting board, and let rest 5 minutes before shredding (there will be a lot of liquid remaining). Return shredded chicken and let cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes to absorb some of the liquid/juices. Drain excess liquid before serving or use tongs to remove shredded chicken. Taste and add more honey for sweeter, lime for more tang, hot sauce/cayenne for spicier.
          • To make Seasoned Flatout FolidIt Flatbread Taco Shells, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut each FoldIt in half and lightly brush with Salsa Verde Honey Lime juices from slow cooker on one side. Hang each cut FoldIt in half over individual oven rungs so they from a taco shell and bake at 375 degrees F for approximately 10-12 minutes or until edges are crisp. Remove and let cool for 1 minute. (See video on how to bake shells).
          • Stuff taco shells with chicken and top with desired taco toppings.

          Video

          Notes

          *The original recipe stated ยฝ cup honey, so if you have made this recipe previous to 2/22/2017 and thought it was perfect, that is the amount you used. ย This was too sweet for some, so I have adjusted it to 1/3-1/2. ย You can start with โ…“ cup and add more to taste if desired. **This chicken is a little on the spicy side due to the salsa verde but I think its perfect for most people. If you want it very kid friendly, then I would recommend reducing the salsa verde to ยฝ cup, honey to ยผ cup lime juice to ยผ cup. ย Then adjust to taste. **This recipe makes enough for 2 packages Flatout FoldIt Flatbread (24 mini tacos) but you can just make one package (12 mini tacos) if you prefer.

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          298 Comments

          1. Chrisanna Gibbs says

            Made these tonight. Seriously the best chicken tacos Iโ€™ve ever had definitively going to be in the weekly rotation.

            • Jen says

              Thanks Chrisanna! I am so thrilled they were such a hit!

          2. Dave Weiss says

            I am cooking mine now but it will be done few hours before we want to eat. Can i keep it on wqarm, in the crock pot ?

            • Jen says

              Yes! You should be safe to keep it on warm for up to 2 hours.

          3. Katie says

            My favorite recipe ever!! Iโ€™ve made this about 10 times now. Fresh lime juice is best, and I never end up needing the whole amount. I leave it in the juice after its shredded for as long as possible! Good on rice, in a taco, or added into chili.

            • Jen says

              Wow! I am so glad it has been a go-to for you!

          4. Kellie says

            Made this tonight. My super picky 10 year old tried just the chicken (not in a taco) and liked it. She then asked for it as a taco (she will never eat tacos like ever). She absolutely loves love it and had a second taco. She never has seconds. I am telling you she is picky beyond picky. She is already asking for it again for dinner. The whole family loved it. Need all the shredded chicken recipes

            • Jen says

              Big win!! Iโ€™m so thrilled that this was a hit with everyone!

          5. Rebecca says

            I love this recipe. I always make extra so that I can use the leftovers for a taco salad later in the week. I also like to use the 505 Southwestern Salsa Verde.

            • Jen says

              Genius! Iโ€™m so glad that itโ€™s been a hit!

          6. Ashley says

            One of my favs Iโ€™ve even swapped the salsa verde for regular jarred salsa itโ€™s amazing I use it most often for burrito bowls adding black beans and corn near the end

            • Jen says

              Yum! Iโ€™m so glad it has become such a favorite!

          7. Stacey says

            Excellent Recipe! My 18 year old son told me this was โ€œrestaurant qualityโ€ which is a huge complement coming from him. I would highly recommend! This is a keeper for sure!

            • Jen says

              Iโ€™m so glad to hear it! Thank you for the kind review!

          8. Aubree Cortes says

            If I am making these for a party, do I need to adjust the cooking time for 6lbs of chicken?

            Will be trying the recipe out on just the family this week and canโ€™t wait!

            • Jen says

              Hi Aubree, yes I would expect to increase the cooking time a bit, but it really comes down to the size of the chicken. If you would like it to cook more quickly, then cut the chicken into smaller pieces before cooking. Enjoy!

          9. Karen says

            This was a definite hit! Easy to put together and it made wonderful tacos. I did use only 1/3 cup of honey. I did not think they were too spicy at all. I would have loved to have tried the flatbread shells but could not find them in my area. Canโ€™t wait to use the leftover in rice bowls and quesadillas.

            • Jen says

              I am so happy to hear it was a success! Using the leftovers for bowls and quesadillas is genius!

          10. Jenn says

            Flat out bread has been discontinued

            • Jen says

              Other flatbreads would work well as a substitute!

          11. Deme says

            I LOVE this recipe so much! And my husband loves it even more I make it all the time. Is there anything I could substitute the honey we just ran out, but Iโ€™d still love to make them!

            • Jen says

              I am so happy to hear that itโ€™s a family favorite! The sweetness of the 1/3 C of honey is about equal to 1/2 C of sugar. I havenโ€™t tried this substitution, but let me know how it goes if you do!

          12. Lisa Kelly says

            This recipe looks incredible. Would this work just as well with pork shoulder? Would there need to be any changes made?

            Canโ€™t wait ot try

            • Jen says

              Hi Lisa, I think it would be tasty with pork! No adjustments necessary aside from increased cooking time and possibly increasing the ingredients depending on the weight of the pork.

          13. Claudia says

            How could I make this in an instant pot instead of a slow cooker? mine has a slow cooker function, but I never leave appliances on when Iโ€™m not home,

            • Jen says

              Hi Claudia, Iโ€™ve not tried this recipe in a pressure cooker. In theory youโ€™d cook the chicken as you would other chicken breast recipe, adding in the spices and ingredients (except the hot sauce) prior to cooking. Let me know how it works if you give it a try!

          14. Leslie B says

            I used the chicken to make enchiladas. It was SO yummy! A totally different flavor profile from those with a red sauce. I will definitely make this again!

            • Jen says

              Yay Leslie! Iโ€™m thrilled that this was a hit and that it will be a repeat recipe for you! Happy New Year!

          15. Lauren says

            My friend made this for dinner once, and I had to have the recipe. It was so good! Iโ€™m thinking about making this a freezer meal. Do you think I can add the raw chicken and the marinade ingredients together in a ziplock bag and freeze it for later? Iโ€™d probably thaw it overnight then cook it in the crockpot the next day. What do you think? Have you ever done this?

            • Jen says

              Iโ€™m so glad you enjoyed it! I havenโ€™t done this but I think that technique would work great as long as you thaw before cooking. Enjoy!

          16. Abby says

            LOVE. this recipe! So amazing, worth all the steps for sure.
            One question, do you have the nutritional information for this? Calories, protein etc?
            Thank you!

          17. Stevie says

            I love love love this recipe!! Do you know how this would hold up in a pressure cooker version? What would the conversion be from slow cooker to pressure cooker?

            • Jen says

              Hi Stevie! Iโ€™m so glad that you love this recipe! Iโ€™ve not tried this recipe in a pressure cooker yet. In theory youโ€™d cook the chicken as you would other chicken breast recipes, adding in the spices and ingredients (except the hot sauce) prior to cooking. Let me know how it works if you give it a try!

          18. Laura says

            These were a huge hit!! My son had 3 helpings! Recipe is definately on rotation! Thanks!

            • Jen says

              Wow Laura thatโ€™s amazing to hear! Thanks so much!

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