These healthy crockpot chicken tacos are super easy and tasty! Just chicken, spices, and your favorite toppings come together for a delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? I like to set it up in the morning and come home to a lovely aroma that says, “Dinner’s ready!” Plus, leftovers make a great lunch! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: The main protein in this dish. You can swap it with thighs if you prefer a juicier option. It’s also great if you’re using leftovers from a roasted chicken!
Black Beans: They add a nice texture and protein. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with pinto beans or even lentils for a different flavor.
Chicken Broth: I like using low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth can be a good alternative if you want a vegetarian option.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika enhance flavor. If you’re looking for more heat, you could add cayenne pepper. For milder taste, reduce the chili powder.
Tortillas: I enjoy corn tortillas, but whole wheat is healthier. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Shreddable?
To keep your chicken juicy, the key is cooking it low and slow. Using a crockpot is perfect for this. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Season the chicken well before cooking to infuse flavor.
- Pour enough broth to cover the chicken, but not so much that it becomes soupy.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours for the best shredding results.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding to retain moisture.
Using this method, the chicken will be tender and bursting with flavor, making your tacos even better!
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- For the Main Dish:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- For Serving:
- 8 small corn or whole wheat tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream, shredded cheese
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes of prep time. Cooking will take around 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a wholesome dinner ready for you!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. It’s okay if they overlap a little; they will shrink as they cook!
2. Add the Veggies and Beans:
Next, add in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onion, and minced garlic. This is where all the flavor starts coming together!
3. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the top of the mixture. This will bring a warm, delicious flavor to your tacos.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour the chicken broth over everything in the crockpot. This helps keep the chicken moist while cooking. It’s going to be so tasty!
5. Cook It:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook. Choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender enough to shred easily.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, take the chicken out and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything to combine well.
7. Add Lime Juice:
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and give it another stir. This adds a refreshing zing!
8. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken mixture is getting its final touches, warm the tortillas according to the package instructions. This will make them nice and pliable for filling.
9. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and add any of your favorite toppings like diced avocado, cilantro, shredded lettuce, or cheese.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your colorful and healthy tacos right away. Watch them disappear as everyone digs in! Enjoy a delicious, wholesome dinner that’s easy to make!
FAQ for Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be aware that it may take a bit longer to cook. If using frozen chicken breasts, cook on high for about 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours. The chicken will still come out tender and flavorful!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, try including a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the mix. You can also increase the chili powder and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust to your spice preference!
What Are Some Good Storage Tips for Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken taco mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just set it to cook in the morning, and you’ll come home to a delicious dinner ready to enjoy!
