These Crock Pot Beer & Garlic Chicken Tacos are packed with flavor thanks to a generous amount of garlic, a full pour of beer, and slow, steady cooking that turns boneless chicken into juicy, pull-apart taco gold.

They’re simple to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect for taco night, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd without lifting a finger after 10 a.m.

Ingredients

• 2½–3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
• 12 oz beer (pale lager, amber ale, or wheat beer — avoid IPAs)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• Optional: 1 tbsp honey (balances out the garlic and beer)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Optional: Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side for added flavor.

Transfer to the Crock Pot.

Step 2: Add the Flavor

Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, beer, and all spices to the slow cooker.

Stir to combine, nestling the chicken into the mixture.

Step 3: Let It Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and shreds easily.

Step 4: Shred & Finish

• Shred chicken directly in the pot or on a cutting board.
• Let it soak in the garlicky beer juices for at least 15 minutes before serving.
• Optional: Broil shredded chicken on a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes to crisp the edges before serving.

Taco Assembly Ideas

• Tortillas: Corn or flour, warmed
• Toppings:
  • Pickled onions or jalapeños
  • Crumbled cotija or shredded cheese
  • Avocado slices or guac
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
  • Chipotle mayo, sour cream, or garlic crema
• Side Options:
  • Mexican rice
  • Black beans
  • Elote (street corn)

Beer Pairing

• In the pot:
  • Pale lager
  • Vienna lager
  • Blonde or wheat ale
• In your glass:
  • Crisp lager or Kölsch
  • Citrusy pale ale for brightness
  • Michelada-style beer cocktail with lime, hot sauce & salt

Final Thoughts

Beer & Garlic Chicken Tacos bring together bold flavors, easy prep, and serious payoff.

They’re loaded with juicy, garlicky goodness, mellowed and deepened by beer, and perfect for weeknights, taco bars, or your next laid-back backyard fiesta.

Cheers to tacos with real flavor and beer in the pot and the glass! 🌮🍺🧄

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.