Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a Mexican-inspired dish that's so easy, it practically cooks itself? These Slow Cooker Tomatillo Chicken and Black Bean Tacos are about to become your new weeknight superhero - delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of tender, spice-infused chicken swimming in zesty tomatillo sauce, ready to be tucked into warm corn tortillas in just minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 jar tomatillo salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 8 corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Avocado for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and placing them in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix cumin and chili powder, then sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Pour the entire jar of tomatillo salsa over the seasoned chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before serving, drain and rinse the black beans, then add them to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine with the chicken and sauce.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the beans and tomatillo sauce.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Serve the chicken and bean mixture in warm tortillas, garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced avocado.
- Optional: Add additional toppings like sour cream, lime wedges, or hot sauce to taste.
Tips
- For the most tender chicken, always use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They're more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay incredibly moist.
- Pat your chicken dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and create a more flavorful result.
- Don't rush the cooking time - low and slow is the secret to melt-in-your-mouth chicken that shreds effortlessly.
- If you want extra depth of flavor, consider toasting your corn tortillas briefly in a dry skillet before serving.
- For a meal prep hack, this recipe freezes beautifully. Store the chicken mixture in portions for quick future meals.
- Customize your toppings! While cilantro and avocado are fantastic, feel free to experiment with pickled onions, queso fresco, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 484kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 33g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 130mg
