YT Recipe

The EASIEST Chicken Meal Prep

The EASIEST Chicken Meal Prep is a easy American (Tex-Mex) recipe that serves 8. 330 calories per serving. Recipe by Casey Kelly on YouTube.

Prep: 8 min | Cook: 4 hrs | Total: 4 hrs 23 min

Cost: $11.00 total, $1.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 5 lb Chicken (boneless, skinless pieces; trim excess fat)
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Mix (pre‑packaged (e.g., Walmart Taco Mix))
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; can substitute water)

Instructions

  1. Trim the Chicken

    Place the chicken on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to remove any visible excess fat or skin.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Chicken to the Cooker

    Transfer the trimmed chicken pieces directly into the crock pot or pressure cooker. No need to cut them up.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Season and Add Liquid

    Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the chicken, then pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (or water). Gently stir to coat the pieces.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cook on High

    Cover the cooker and set it to the HIGH setting for 4 hours. For a pressure cooker, use HIGH pressure for 30 minutes then natural release.

    Time: PT4H

  5. Shred the Chicken

    When the timer goes off, remove the pot (use oven mitts). Using two forks or your hands, shred the chicken until it falls apart easily.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Cool and Store

    Let the shredded chicken cool for a few minutes, then portion into airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
330
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
15g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: High protein, Low carb, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free seasoning

Allergens: Soy, Wheat

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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The EASIEST Chicken Meal Prep

Recipe by Casey Kelly

A super‑quick, hands‑off chicken recipe perfect for meal‑prep. Trim a few pounds of chicken, toss it with a packet of taco seasoning and a splash of broth, then let a crock‑pot do the work for 4 hours. The result is juicy, shreddable chicken that can be used in tacos, salads, burritos, or eaten straight from the fridge.

EasyAmerican (Tex-Mex)Serves 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
4h 1m
Cook
31m
Cleanup
4h 49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.00
Total cost
$1.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Trim excess fat from the chicken to avoid greasy texture.
  • • Add enough liquid (broth or water) to keep the chicken moist during the long cook.
  • • Cook on HIGH for the full 4‑hour period without opening the lid.
  • • Shred the chicken while it is still warm for easy pulling.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • • Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
  • • If using a pressure cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe pressure release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of taco‑seasoned chicken in American Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Taco‑seasoned chicken is a modern, convenience‑driven adaptation of traditional Mexican flavors that became popular in the United States during the rise of fast‑food Tex‑Mex chains in the 1990s. It brings the bold spices of tacos to a versatile protein that can be used in many quick‑serve dishes, embodying the blend of Mexican heritage and American convenience.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of taco‑seasoned chicken in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, cooks often add smoky chipotle or cumin for a deeper flavor, while in the Pacific Northwest a sweeter, milder seasoning blend is common. Some regions swap the taco mix for a blend of chili powder and oregano to reflect local spice preferences.

cultural
Q

How is shredded taco chicken traditionally served in Tex‑Mex meals?

A

It is most often spooned into soft corn or flour tortillas for tacos, layered in burritos, or used as a topping for nachos and salads. The shredded texture makes it ideal for quick assembly at family gatherings or casual weeknight meals.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is shredded taco chicken commonly associated with in American culture?

A

Shredded taco chicken is a staple for game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations because it can be prepared ahead and served family‑style. Its ease of serving makes it popular for potlucks and casual get‑togethers.

cultural
Q

How does shredded taco chicken fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?

A

Tex‑Mex cuisine emphasizes bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors, often delivered through quick‑cook proteins. Shredded taco chicken captures that spirit while offering a lean, high‑protein option that aligns with modern meal‑prep trends.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for shredded taco chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include boneless chicken, a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of oregano, plus a splash of broth. Acceptable substitutes are any pre‑packaged taco seasoning, chicken stock instead of broth, and turkey or pork in place of chicken.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shredded taco chicken in a crock pot?

A

Common errors include not trimming excess fat, using too little liquid which leads to dry meat, and opening the lid during cooking which drops temperature. Also, over‑cooking can make the chicken stringy rather than tender.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use pre‑packaged taco seasoning instead of a homemade blend?

A

The pre‑packaged mix saves time and guarantees a balanced flavor profile, perfect for a 10‑minute meal‑prep routine. It also ensures consistency for viewers who may not have a full spice rack on hand.

technical
Q

Can I make this shredded taco chicken ahead of time and how should I store the chicken?

A

Yes, the chicken can be cooked in bulk, cooled, and stored in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months; reheat with a splash of broth to retain moisture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Casey Kelly specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Casey Kelly focuses on simple, time‑saving home cooking tutorials, especially meal‑prep ideas and quick weeknight meals. Casey emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, budget‑friendly options, and clear step‑by‑step visuals for beginners.

channel
More like this:American (Tex-Mex) RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Casey Kelly

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