Crockpot BBQ Chicken Tacos – Set It & Forget It for Under $5

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Craving a delicious, budget-friendly meal that practically cooks itself? These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Tacos are the ultimate “set it and forget it” dinner. Juicy, smoky chicken tucked into warm tortillas, topped with your favorite fixings – all for less than $5. Yes, please!

🛒 Ingredients List

Ingredient	Amount	Cost Estimate
Boneless chicken thighs	1 lb	$2.50
BBQ sauce	1/2 cup	$0.50
Taco seasoning	1 tbsp	$0.25
Garlic powder	1 tsp	$0.10
Onion powder	1 tsp	$0.10
Corn tortillas	8	$0.75
Coleslaw mix (optional)	1 cup	$0.50
Pickled onions (optional)	1/4 cup	$0.25
Sour cream (optional)	1/4 cup	$0.25
Total Cost:	~$4.95

🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your Crockpot.
Sprinkle with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour the BBQ sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is well-coated.

Step 2: Cook Low & Slow

Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the Crockpot with two forks and stir to mix with the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
Pile on that flavorful BBQ chicken and top with your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickled onions, and sour cream.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Serve immediately with lime wedges for a zesty twist.

🔥 Pro Tips for Extra Flavor

✅ Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.

✅ Crispy Tortillas: Toast your tortillas in a dry skillet for a crispier finish.

✅ Extra Smoky Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke with the BBQ sauce for that irresistible smoky vibe.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

These BBQ chicken tacos are perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Potlucks and parties
Meal prep lunches

Pair with a side of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad or Zucchini & Corn Fritters for a complete meal.

🥡 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze shredded chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it juicy.

🌮 Why These Tacos Are a Game-Changer

Budget-Friendly: With only a few ingredients, this meal easily feeds a family for less than $5.
Effortless Cooking: The Crockpot does all the work while you go about your day.
Customizable: Whether you love spicy, sweet, or tangy flavors, you can tweak this recipe to your liking.

💬 Tried These Tacos?

Drop a comment below sharing your favorite toppings or tweaks! For more budget-friendly dinner ideas, check out our 5 Dinners for $10 for even more inspiration!