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Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor

Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor ~ Chicken cooked in seasoned broth, shredded and put in a delicious tortilla and topped with slaw.
Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor ~ The Complete SavoristThis is not traditional al Pastor. Traditional al pastor is usually pork, marinated in a paste blend of chiles, pineapple, and other spices, then slowly cooked on a trompo or a vertical rotisserie. My grill is cheap and does not have the rotisserie attachment which would still be horizontal.

I’m not really in the market to acquire a trompo or even purchase the horizontal attachment for my grill. But I am very much in the market for those flavors. I realize I could slowly grill a pork loin that has been marinated the same way but I really wanted to mix things up.

Hosting summer parties is something I really love doing, but standing over the grill for at least half the party is not something I love doing. Pork is a personal favorite but I have a few friends who do not eat pork, therefore I had to swap out my proteins. I went with the ever-faithful chicken. It’s simple, affordable, and best of all, everyone generally likes chicken, save my vegetarian and vegan friends.

I wanted to try slowly cooking chicken with the al pastor flavors. If I slow-cooked the chicken, I could simply shred it with forks, dunk it back in the broth it had been cooking in all day, and then turn it into tacos. Simple and easy and I can enjoy my dinner party instead of standing over a hot grill.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SwansonSummer #CollectiveBias

Sam’s Club seemed like the appropriate place for me to grab the majority of what I needed. I picked up a bag of chicken, and it was time to for me to restock my pantry with Swanson’s Chicken Broth. I’ve been buying the cans there for years, and then pick up cartons at another store but now they come packaged in 6-32 oz cartons.

Some notes about making the dish, to find chipotle in adobo, you’ll need to look on the Hispanic foods aisle at your market. Chipotles are dried jalapeños and are spicy, at least they are to me, so start with only 1 chile, blend, taste it, then add more if you want more heat.

These Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor are topped with a tangy but light pineapple coleslaw.

Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor ~ The Complete Savorist

Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor

Servings: 20
Author: Michelle
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Ingredients

  • Corn Tortillas
  • 2 lbs chicken; boneless and skinless
  • Pineapple Coleslaw for topping

Al Pastor

  • 1 cup Swanson's Chicken Broth
  • 1-20 oz can pineapple tidbits , juice included
  • 1 cup white onion; diced
  • 1/2 cup orange juice or 1 orange; peeled and deseeded
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 3-4 cloves garlic; roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano (Mexican if possible)
  • 1 large or 2 small chipotle peppers (from the can in adobo)
  • 1-2 tsp adobo sauce
  • 1/4 tsp salt and pepper; to taste

Optional ingredients for garnishing

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced white onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Queso fresco

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in a slow cooker.
  2. Add all the remaining ingredients, except the broth to a blender and blend until smooth.
  3. Once smooth, pour over the chicken, mixing the chicken so it's completely coated.
  4. Pour in the broth and stir.
  5. Place the lid on the slow cooker.
  6. Cook on low for about 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is completely tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  7. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
  8. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return it to the juice in the slow cooker, allowing the meat to be thoroughly covered.
  9. Before serving, using a slotted spoon to strain the meat from the liquid, placing it in a large bowl.
  10. Reserve the cooking liquid for an optional dish.

Assembly

  1. Layer warmed corn tortilla with chicken and then the pineapple coleslaw, garnish with any or all of the optional ingredients.
  2. Serve and enjoy

ptap storeSlow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor ~ The Complete Savorist

Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor ~ The Complete Savorist

Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor ~ The Complete Savorist

Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor ~ The Complete Savorist

Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos al Pastor ~ The Complete Savorist I know that when you think of broth, you generally think of soups and stews, but broth is used in so many of my recipes. How might you use Swanson’s Chicken Broth this summer?  If you need some ideas, you can check out the demo happening nationwide this coming Friday (7-31) from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Swanson Summer Sweepstakes

Thank you for sharing!

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83 Comments

  • Reply
    Betty
    July 30, 2015 at 7:13 pm

    They looks so good Michelle and the slaw sounds perfect with it. This is a must due for me.

  • Reply
    Marlynn @UrbanBlissLife
    July 31, 2015 at 1:33 am

    These tacos look amazing, and I love that they’re made in the slow cooker. I’m definitely looking for more slow cooker meals as school starts up again.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      July 31, 2015 at 11:59 am

      Come school time, it’s more slow cooker meals than anything.

  • Reply
    julia
    July 31, 2015 at 4:10 am

    I love tacos al pastor. That coleslaw is awesome on there!

  • Reply
    Marye
    July 31, 2015 at 6:49 am

    I like using the slow cooker in the summer… sometimes here in Texas the deck is almost too hot to grill and I don’t like heating the kitchen up to 150 degrees! These look perfect!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      July 31, 2015 at 12:02 pm

      I know exactly how hot those Texas summers can be, don’t blame you for not wanting to go out.

  • Reply
    Nutmeg Nanny
    July 31, 2015 at 7:08 am

    These slow cooker tacos look so good! I love using my slow cooker in the summer because it just gets too hot in teh house to try and use anything else.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      July 31, 2015 at 12:03 pm

      Exactly, and you can set it and go and enjoy summer activities while not having to worry about dinner.

  • Reply
    Melissa
    July 31, 2015 at 7:33 am

    I love that you made these in a slow cooker. My family will love them. Pinned!

  • Reply
    Pineapple Coleslaw
    July 31, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    […] slaw is great enough to eat on its own as a side or as a topping for pork or chicken. I made a slow cooker pollo tacos al pastor  and used this as a cool and creamy addition to the sweet and spicy chicken taco. Pineapple […]

  • Reply
    justine @ Full Belly SIsters
    July 31, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    I love tacos al pastor and this is a very doable way for me to make them at home, thanks! Pinned 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      July 31, 2015 at 1:26 pm

      Hope you get the chance to enjoy them Justine.

  • Reply
    Christine @ So TIPical Me
    July 31, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    These tacos look awesome. And I really need to try the slaw too! Yum!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2015 at 11:14 pm

      Thank you Christine, I hope you get the opportunity to try it.

  • Reply
    KC the Kitchen Chopper
    July 31, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    I love the creative filling in your tacos. And that salsa with pineapple sounds amazing!

  • Reply
    Florian @ContentednessCooking
    July 31, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    This looks flavorful and fresh!Gorgeous pictures!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      Thank you Florian, maybe you can find a vegan equivalent to al pastor.

  • Reply
    Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily
    July 31, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    OH MY GOSH! There is a little place near our house that serves the best Tacos al Pastor!!! Now I don’t have to figure out how to make them by trial and error! Yippee! Saving and sharing 😉

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      Hope you enjoy them Gwen. These are really good.

  • Reply
    Manila Spoon
    July 31, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    5 stars
    These tacos look so appetizing I am seriously hungry just looking at them!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      I know what you mean. Do you like al pastor?

  • Reply
    Patricia @ Grab a Plate
    August 1, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Oh wow! These look soooo good! A slow-cooker specialty! So easy – love it! Beautiful pix, too 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2015 at 11:16 pm

      Slow cooker really helps make them easy.

  • Reply
    Kavey
    August 1, 2015 at 10:53 am

    A good reminder of the range of things we can make in a slow cooker!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2015 at 11:16 pm

      Endless possibilities.

  • Reply
    Janette@culinaryginger
    August 1, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    These are tacos with a lot of flavor, they look amazing and that coleslaw? I have to try.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2015 at 11:17 pm

      Thank you Janette. Has your British palate enjoyed Mexican food since you’re in SoCal now?

  • Reply
    sue|theviewfromgreatisland
    August 1, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    YUM! That tray is a single serving, right??

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 1, 2015 at 11:17 pm

      Yes, single serving. 😉

  • Reply
    Diana Rambles
    August 1, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    These look so good!!!

  • Reply
    Camilla
    August 1, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    Wow, I’m literally salivating looking at these tacos, I know my family would love them too:-)

  • Reply
    Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets)
    August 2, 2015 at 10:46 am

    These tacos look delicious. I love the idea of putting everything into the crock pot and having it ready for dinner.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 2, 2015 at 8:08 pm

      Best way on a busy night.

  • Reply
    Katerina
    August 2, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    I love these tacos! I want to grab one from the screen and devour it!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 2, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      Maybe technology will make that possible someday.

  • Reply
    Joy @ Joy Love Food
    August 2, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    Yum, I love making chicken in the slow cooker, these tacos with the pineapple sound wonderful!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 2, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      It’s an authentic flavor despite a non-traditional meat and cooking method.

  • Reply
    Debi @ Life Currents
    August 2, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    These look great, and so easy to make. I love that you made a pineapple coleslaw to go in these tacos. What a great recipe.

  • Reply
    Nettie Moore
    August 2, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    I have been craving tacos, yours look incredible! Nettie

  • Reply
    nibbles by nic
    August 2, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    wow, are those some stunning tacos ! Love the idea of throwing it all in the slow cooker and then shred away!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 2, 2015 at 8:11 pm

      Thank you Nic. Slow cooker for the win!

  • Reply
    Jessica (Savory Experiments)
    August 2, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    These are just beautiful! My family would love them!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 2, 2015 at 8:11 pm

      Wonderful to hear, thank you.

  • Reply
    Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
    August 3, 2015 at 4:19 am

    They are some delicious looking tacos. Tacos have to be my favourite ever meal – there is so much you can do with them.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 3, 2015 at 3:33 pm

      The possibilities really are endless.

  • Reply
    Linda (Meal Planning Maven)
    August 3, 2015 at 6:41 am

    What a great summer meal Michelle! So kid-friendly too!

  • Reply
    lizzy
    August 3, 2015 at 6:41 am

    Your pictures are mouthwatering!!!! This recipe looks amazing and so good for weeknights – love my slow cooker!

  • Reply
    Becky
    August 3, 2015 at 9:08 am

    I love using my slow cooker in the summer especially so I don’t have to heat up the house any more that it already is!! These taco sound perfect and something my family would really enjoy 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 3, 2015 at 3:35 pm

      I hope you get the chance to enjoy them Becky.

  • Reply
    Nicole
    August 3, 2015 at 10:28 am

    Pinned it! Any Mexican food is my fave.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 3, 2015 at 3:35 pm

      You’re in good company Nicole.

  • Reply
    Diane
    August 3, 2015 at 11:04 am

    These look delicious! Best part for me is that they cook in a slow cooker. Our grill just broke so this is a perfect alternate recipe for these yummy tacos! thanks Pinned

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 3, 2015 at 3:36 pm

      Sorry to hear about the grill RIP. But your slow cooker can save you.

  • Reply
    Healing Tomato
    August 3, 2015 at 6:54 pm

    What a delightful way to use swanson broth. Your tacos are so well presented and the ingredients work so well together.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 4, 2015 at 2:25 am

      Why thank you. You’d really like them sans chicken with tofu.

  • Reply
    Cyndy
    August 4, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    Found you through the Swanson Summer Sweepstakes, chose your recipe as my favorite. Definitely going to make these, they look so incredible!! Pinned on Pinterest.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 5, 2015 at 12:01 am

      Thank you so much Cyndy! Hope you enjoy them.

  • Reply
    Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake
    August 5, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    These look sooo so good! Do you think I’d be okay leaving out the pineapple? I imagine it adds great flavour, but I’m allergic 🙁

    Sharing these all over the place 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 5, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      Al pastor is traditionally made with pineapple, but swap it out for more orange juice and oranges to still get that citrus flavor. Maybe add a lime too.

  • Reply
    Del's cooking twist
    August 6, 2015 at 3:38 am

    Looks fantastic! I didn’t know we could do this recipe with chicken as well, ow I’m curious! Oh, and amazing pictures as well!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 6, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      Pork is the meat used in al pastor traditionally, I just mixed it up a bit.

  • Reply
    Heading South of the Border at #FoodieFriDIY no 58 - A Dish of Daily Life
    August 6, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    […] Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos Al Pastor from The Complete Savorist […]

  • Reply
    Debra @ Bowl Me Over
    August 10, 2015 at 10:30 am

    Great time to break out the slow cooker – loving these tacos, they are perfect for entertaining!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      August 10, 2015 at 11:08 am

      They really are, or if you want to eat them for a week.

  • Reply
    Erin
    August 27, 2015 at 6:55 am

    I am looking for recipes that I can cook while at work but that means they will be in the pot for 8+ hours. My slow cooker will switch to warm after the set time, but warming for 2+ hours after the 6 hours cooking generally makes things really dry. Any idea how this would work if I prepared ahead and froze and then placed in the pot directly from the freezer?

    • Reply
      Michelle
      September 1, 2015 at 11:45 pm

      This is super saucy, so if it shut off or switched to warm after cooking, it should be just fine. If you made ahead, then just quickly warm up in a frying pan would work too. Freeze though in some liquid to help keep it moist during reheating.

  • Reply
    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers
    September 1, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    […] I made my Pollo Tacos al Pastor and then used the broth to make al Pastor Rice, I ended up with extra rice, as the majority of my […]

  • Reply
    Sarah
    November 12, 2015 at 6:34 am

    Michelle this looks amazing! I am planning to attempt this today. After reviewing the instructions though I did have a couple questions. Is the coleslaw added to the crockpot? The recipe shows all the ingredients other than the chicken under the pineapple coleslaw. The picture definitely shows them as seperate. Does the coleslaw gets removed when the chicken is removed?

    • Reply
      Michelle De La Cerda
      November 12, 2015 at 7:04 am

      They are separate. The slaw is made and chilled until ready to be added to the meat in the shells. I will fix the structure of the directions! Sorry for the confusion.

  • Reply
    SW
    January 23, 2016 at 8:51 am

    This recipe came out amazing! I made a pineapple salsa to put in on top and loved it! Thanks for sharing! Making it for the second time in two weeks tonight!

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