These Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a breeze to make! Just toss chicken, spices, and veggies in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax.
What I love about these tacos is how simple they are! You’re left with tender chicken that packs a punch of flavor. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy a meal that’s both yummy and healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, yielding tender and juicy meat. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too! For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or black beans instead.
Salsa: A low-sugar, fresh salsa is ideal, as it adds flavor without unnecessary additives. If you can’t find salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies make a good substitute. For a spicy kick, use hot salsa or add jalapeños!
Taco Seasoning: A store-bought packet is convenient, but you can make your own using spices you likely have at home. I like to adjust the seasoning based on my taste, so feel free to add more chili powder or cumin for a stronger flavor.
Vegetables: Diced onions and bell peppers add great flavor and texture to your tacos. You can also throw in corn or zucchini for extra color! If you’re short on fresh veggies, frozen ones can work too.
How can I ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender?
Cooking chicken in the crockpot needs some attention to get it tender and flavorful. Here are some key steps:
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, as they will cook more evenly.
- Combine the salsa, seasoning, and veggies in a bowl, then pour it over the chicken. This keeps the chicken moist.
- Cook it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours—don’t rush it! Checking for doneness with a meat thermometer (should reach 165°F) is also a great idea.
- After shredding, mix the chicken back into the crockpot with the juices to keep it flavorful.
Following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked, tender chicken every time!
Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chicken & Base:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (choose a low-sugar, fresh variety)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp oregano, salt and pepper to taste)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
Tortillas & Toppings:
- Corn or whole wheat tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, lime wedges, low-fat shredded cheese, Greek yogurt (as sour cream substitute)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s perfect for a busy day—you can set it up in the morning and enjoy it later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become nice and tender.
2. Mix the Seasoning:
In a medium bowl, mix together the salsa, taco seasoning, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and chicken broth. This blend adds great flavor to the chicken!
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the salsa mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s going to smell amazing!
5. Mix it All Together:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it into the juices. This way, it soaks up all the delicious flavors!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken absorbs the juices, warm your corn or whole wheat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. This makes them soft and pliable for filling!
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and fill it with the shredded chicken mixture. Now comes the fun part! Add your favorite toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for some creaminess.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your tacos with some lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch. Squeeze the lime over the tacos for a fresh burst of flavor and enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!
These Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are not only tasty but also simple to make. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Plan ahead by thawing in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker method.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist while reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! You can make it spicier by using a hot salsa or adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Yes, feel free to swap chicken for other proteins like turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for meat types with different textures.
