I’ve been working on simplifying meals at home. One thing that helps is putting together spice mixes to use in various dishes. So instead of measuring a bit of chili powder and cumin for taco seasoning (and making a huge mess!), I just combine all the spices once and store it an old container. When I see it getting low I refill it.
I really like my taco seasoning mix that I add to ground meat for tacos, bean dishes, quesadillas or, in this case, slow cooker chicken. It contains chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. The key with homemade seasoning mixes is to keep tweaking them until you find the right blend for your family.
This recipe for slow cooker chicken taco meat is really easy. I just mix some broth with either a small can of green chilies or salsa (depending on what I have) with the taco seasoning and top it on the chicken and turn on the slow cooker. I serve the meal family style with all the sides for taco making.
But my favorite thing about this meal is the leftovers. For lunch the next day I usually make a big bowl of the chicken, Spanish rice, tomatoes, cheese, black beans, sliced avocado and salsa. I eat this leftover lunch meal with Little D and he likes it burrito style. It’s really good!
Anyone else make their own taco seasoning?
- Taco seasoning mix
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon cumin
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Slow Cooker Chicken
- ½ cup broth
- 4 ounce can of green chilies or ½ cup salsa
- 1.5-2 Tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- 1-1.5 pounds chicken breasts or skinless boneless thighs
- Measure the spices and place them in a cup and mix well. Then put it into a small container.
- In a medium bowl, mix the broth, chilies (or salsa) and seasoning mix with a spoon. Place chicken in the slow cooker and top with the broth mix.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or 6 to 8 on low.
- About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken and place back into the slow cooker. When ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and add as much cooking juice (with a regular spoon) as desired.
For more easy recipes and tips on how to serve meals to kids, check out Maryann’s book The Family Dinner Solution: How to Create a Rotation of Dinner Meals Your Family Will Love
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