Mexican Shredded Chicken is about as easy as it gets for a quick dinner idea. It only has 5 ingredients and you cook it in the crock pot!
I’ve been thinking about meal planning lately. It may be all the back to school posts and school shopping stories I’m seeing on Instagram that is getting me in the mood. When I had kids at home, back to school time always put me in the mood for more organization and structure in my life. I love summer and the lack of structure but I always crave me some structure come school time.
Even though I no longer have kids at home, meal planning is something that I need to get back to. It’s so easy to get out of the routine of meal planning with the craziness of summer and vacations.
I use to do a regular weekly meal plan here on the blog several years ago and I’m thinking of bringing it back – what do you think? Interested?
When I put my meal plan together I always plan at least one crock pot meal each week. I usually schedule it for my busiest and craziest day. The day when the kids have after school rehearsals, practices and lessons. Being able to put dinner in the crock pot earlier in the day and have it ready when we finally walk in the door is the best.
Crockpot Mexican Shredded Chicken
Today’s recipe for crock pot Shredded Chicken is one I’ve been making for years. Besides being SUPER easy and only requiring 5 ingredients, it is super flexible. You can enjoy it in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, so many ways!
A while ago my friend Laurie emailed me asking for some ideas for a dinner she needed to put on for her family after her parent’s anniversary party. It needed to be quick and easy because they would be coming directly to her house to eat after the party (of which she was in charge of too!)
I suggested she do a taco/burrito bar using the Cafe Rio Sweet Pork and this Mexican Shredded Chicken. Both could be made ahead of time and just kept warm in a crock pot. It’s a perfect thing for a large group of people because they can personalize it to their own taste.
Serve it with tortillas, chips, beans, and all the toppings. This lime cilantro rice is perfect to serve along side too and I use both corn and flour tortillas. Laurie reported in after the party that both were a huge success!
More easy family dinner ideas:
Some of my favorite kitchen tools for making Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken:
SLOW COOKER – My favorite one is the classic, the Rival CrockPot. In fact, I love it so much I own three of them. Two 6 qt and one 4 qt.
CROCK POT LINER BAGS – These liner bags are a life saver and make clean up so much easier and faster! Stock up on them!
SHREDDER CLAWS – These make shredded pork or chicken a breeze!
HOLIDAY SLOW COOKER COOKBOOK – For more delicious slow cooker recipes check out my new cookbook – 100 recipes!
Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe
Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts skinless,boneless
- 1 bottle Zesty Italian Dressing 16 oz bottle
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Add chicken to crock pot.
- Sprinkle with chili powder cumin and garlic
- Pour dressing over chicken and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken and cook on low for one additional hour to allow juices to absorb into chicken
Video
Nutrition
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I made this for my 3 sons and two roommates home for Thanksgiving Break from College. I doubled the recipe because I had 5 hungry boys! I served it with rice and hard shell tacos. What a hit! It was delicious and more than enough to go around! I will continue to make this recipe for big crowds.
So glad you enjoyed and so did those hungry boys!
Heaven’s YES interested! I was just thinking the same thing this morning, although, I do have kids headed back to school and I need to get my act together for meal planning for the fam. I love having dinner together, but sometimes it gets stressful.
I think I’ll try this, we love taco Tuesday! Thanks again Ms Leigh Anne!
I love the look of your Mexican shredded chicken but I do have a question. I live Down Under (Australia) and seek clarification for the zesty Italian dressing. My experience of this is for a salad. Is what you use the same, ie salad dressing, or is it something completely different? Thanks in anticipation of your reply ????
Jan, Here is a link to exactly what I used. It is what you use on salads – https://amzn.to/2KDCvbj
Loved your recipe for mex shredded chicken. Keep’em comin.
Thanks Beth – so glad you enjoy them!
I am anxious to try this. I only see 3 ingredients and no directions in the recipe. I’m wondering if there was a little glitch or if there is a problem on my end. Thanks!
Sorry about that – it’s fixed! Thanks for the heads up.
Hi sweet friend! I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, but I can’t see the whole recipe. It cuts off after the cumin. This looks amazing and I can’t wait to make it.
Janelle, The recipe is fixed now. Thanks and enjoy!
Yes, bring back the weekly meal plan! 🙂 I find those to be SO helpful! Thanks for another great recipe here.