These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a breeze to make! Just toss some chicken breasts into the slow cooker with salsa and your favorite spices, and let it work its magic.
Serve it all wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like lettuce and avocado. Who knew healthy could taste this good? I love saving time on busy days while still enjoying tasty tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option. If you want, you can swap them for thighs for extra juiciness, but keep in mind they might have a bit more fat.
Chicken Broth: Store-bought chicken broth works great, but homemade adds a richer flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist or water in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as rich.
Dumped Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes with green chilies bring heat and flavor. If you prefer less spice, go for plain diced tomatoes or add the green chilies separately so you can control the heat level.
Taco Seasoning: The seasoning packet is convenient, but making your own blend of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder can really elevate the flavor! Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a great healthy substitute for sour cream. If you’re after a non-dairy option, use coconut yogurt or avocado for creaminess without dairy.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can be a bit tricky, but here’s a simple method to make it easier. After cooking, let the chicken cool a bit, but not too long, so it’s easier to handle. Use two forks or a stand mixer if you have one!
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Start from one end and pull towards you.
- If you prefer, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for about 30 seconds to shred fast!
This will leave you with perfectly shredded chicken that’s ready to mix back in with those delicious juices.
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken Filling:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14 oz)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For Serving:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then you can let the crockpot do its job! Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once it’s done, a quick shredding and serving, and you’re ready to enjoy delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies right over the top. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
2. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some tasty ingredients! Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top. They will cook down and add even more flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. If you have time, choose the low setting for 6-8 hours. Otherwise, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crockpot using tongs. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it well to mix with the flavorful juices.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
To make the tacos, warm your corn tortillas in a skillet or quickly heat them in the microwave. This will make them soft and pliable, ready for the filling!
6. Assemble Your Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and fill it with the delicious shredded chicken mixture. Top it off with a dollop of Greek yogurt (or sour cream), some diced tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice will add an extra zing. Enjoy your healthy and tasty crockpot chicken tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to ensure it fully thaws before cooking for even cooking and shredding. If you start with frozen chicken, extend the cooking time by about an hour on low. Alternatively, you can thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own blend using 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Adjust to your taste preferences for a more personalized flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Tacos?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the chicken on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Keep the tortillas and toppings separate until serving for the best texture!
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Absolutely! To kick up the heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture during cooking. You can also serve with a spicier salsa or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving!
