These Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a game changer for busy days! Just toss chicken, spices, and some salsa in the crockpot, and let it do all the work.
The result? Tasty, juicy chicken that shreds easily. I love serving it with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. Trust me, you’ll want tacos for dinner every night! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean meat. If you want something different, you can use thighs for a juicier texture or even swap in turkey breasts!
Salsa: Low sodium salsa helps keep this dish healthy. If you prefer, fresh tomatoes and a bit of lime juice can work. You can also use diced tomatoes with green chiles for extra flavor.
Spices: The combination of chili powder and cumin gives great flavor, but feel free to experiment. Taco seasoning mixes can be a quick substitute, and for those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are classic, but you can use whole wheat for added fiber. If you’re gluten-free, try grain-free tortillas made from almond flour or coconut flour.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken after cooking is key for tacos! Here’s how to make it easy:
- Start by cooking the chicken in the crockpot until it’s tender and easily pulls apart.
- Use two forks to gently pull the meat apart. This method lets you control the texture — don’t rush!
- Stir in lime juice and cilantro after shredding. It adds a fresh zing that brightens the flavor.
Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (preferably low sodium)
- For the Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Finish:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Corn or whole wheat tortillas, for serving
- Optional Toppings:
- diced avocado
- chopped onions
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- shredded cheese
- Greek yogurt or light sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 6-7 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the crockpot. Adding in some time to warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just a few minutes of active time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base for your tacos.
2. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is what gives your chicken tacos the fantastic flavor!
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture evenly over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated so every bite is flavorful.
4. Add the Salsa:
Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken, making sure it covers everything well. This helps keep the chicken moist and tasty during cooking.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro for that fresh kick!
7. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the chicken is shredding, warm your corn or whole wheat tortillas according to package instructions. This step is important for making sure they’re soft and pliable.
8. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Spoon some of the shredded chicken onto each tortilla and add your favorite toppings. I love adding diced avocado and fresh cilantro!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy the deliciousness of your healthy, homemade chicken tacos!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook them from frozen, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so.
Can I Substitute the Salsa with Something Else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have salsa, you can use a combination of diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and onion, seasoned with lime juice or your favorite hot sauce for flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist when reheating.
What Are Some Good Topping Ideas?
Some great toppings include diced avocado, fresh cilantro, chopped onions, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or light sour cream. You can also add jalapeños for extra heat!
