These creamy chicken tacos are my go-to for easy, comforting meals that still feel special. Whether you make them with tender chicken breasts or a jackfruit vegetarian option, the combination of tangy salsa, smooth cream cheese, and hearty beans creates a rich, flavor-packed filling. You can cook them low and slow in a cast-iron Dutch oven or slow cooker, making them perfect for game day, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners.
When I’m looking for a meal that’s both effortless and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table, creamy chicken tacos are my answer. Out here off-grid, I like recipes that can be made with pantry staples I already have on hand—home-canned salsa, beans from my storage shelves, and a block of cream cheese that keeps just fine in the cool pantry until I’m ready to use it.
The creamy, savory filling is so versatile that you can serve it in tacos, wrap it in burritos, pile it over rice, or scoop it into a burrito bowl. I make mine in my cast-iron Dutch oven, which works just like a slow cooker but holds the heat beautifully and makes the kitchen smell amazing all afternoon.
This is a pinnable post. Tap or hover over any image in this post to pin to your Pinterest Boards.
Recipe Tutorial – Creamy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 can jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) jar salsa (about 2 cups – I use home-canned)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 ½ cups canned beans (black beans, northern white beans, or any bean you love)
- 4 oz block cream cheese, cubed
- Optional: 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- Tortillas, rice, or toppings of choice for serving (my homemade sourdough tortillas recipe is fantastic!)
Instructions
Layer the Ingredients
In your cast-iron Dutch oven or slow cooker, place the chicken (or jackfruit) at the bottom.
Season
Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning evenly over the top.
Add the Salsa
Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours (or high for 2–3 hours) until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Add the Creaminess
About 30 minutes before serving, add the cream cheese cubes and beans (and corn if using). Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the filling is creamy and well combined.
Shred and Serve
If using chicken, shred it with two forks right in the pot. Serve the creamy filling in tacos, burritos, over rice, or in a burrito bowl with your favorite toppings.
Make It Even Better with Homemade Sourdough Tortillas
If you really want to take these creamy chicken tacos to the next level, skip the store-bought stuff and make my homemade sourdough tortillas. They’re soft, chewy, and have that perfect tang that only sourdough can give. Out here, I keep my sourdough starter going year-round, and these tortillas are one of my favorite ways to use it. Trust me—once you’ve tried tacos on fresh, warm sourdough tortillas, there’s no going back!
Conclusion
There’s something so satisfying about lifting the lid on my Dutch oven and seeing this creamy, savory taco filling ready to go. Whether I’m serving it to family after a long day of chores or to friends on game day, it’s always a winner. The beauty is in how adaptable it is—switch the protein, change up the beans, add corn, or keep it classic. Off-grid or not, recipes like this keep me cooking happily, one barefoot step at a time!
Resources: Here are some helpful resources for further information.
- Street Tacos Recipe – By The Cookie Rookie
- Easiest Sheet Pan Tacos Recipe – By Allrecipes
- Taco Recipes – By Good Food
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the filling for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently before serving.
2. What toppings go best with creamy chicken tacos?
Shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime are my favorites.
3. Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes, but you’ll lose that signature creamy texture. You could substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred in just before serving.
4. How can I make it spicier?
Use a hot salsa, add diced jalapeños, or stir in chili flakes for extra heat.
Creamy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 can jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) jar salsa (about 2 cups – home-canned if you have it)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 ½ cups canned beans (black beans, northern white beans, or your favorite)
- 4 oz block cream cheese, cubed
- Optional: 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- Tortillas, rice, or toppings of choice for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken or jackfruit in the bottom of a cast-iron Dutch oven or slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning and ranch seasoning over the top.
- Pour salsa evenly over the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours (or high for 2–3 hours) until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add cubed cream cheese, beans, and optional corn. Stir until cream cheese is melted and everything is combined.
- If using chicken, shred it with two forks right in the pot.
- Serve warm in tortillas, over rice, or however you like.
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to make these recipes in your cast-iron skillet to enjoy and share with your friends and family.
If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.
ENTER MY FREE Printables Page HERE
Here are some more of my cast-iron cooking inspiration posts to check out!
How to Make Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
How to Make Chocolate Sourdough Pancakes
The Best Cherry Galette Recipe
How to Cook Scrambled Eggs In a Cast Iron Skillet without Sticking!
How to Season Cast Iron for Cooking
The Best Old-Fashioned Homemade Brownies: A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe!
How to Make Dutch Oven Lasagna
How to Make Black Bean Burgers from the Garden!
Blessings,
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
Discover more from The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
