These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a perfect meal for busy days! You just toss chicken, spices, and salsa into the crockpot, and let it cook. Easy and tasty!
What I love most is how simple it is to make. You can even enjoy leftovers the next day, and they taste just as good. Tacos for breakfast? Yes, please! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, but thighs work well too if you want more flavor. They stay juicy and are hard to overcook in the crockpot.
Salsa: Choose your preferred salsa! If you want more freshness, consider making homemade salsa or using diced tomatoes with cilantro and lime as a substitute.
Taco Seasoning: A store-bought packet is convenient, but I recommend making your own if you have the spices. It’s fresher and allows you to control the salt and spiciness.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are classic, but whole wheat or flour tortillas can be used for a different texture. You might even try lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Is Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding the chicken is a crucial step to allow all the flavors to mix in! Here’s how to make it easy:
- After the cooking time, take the chicken out but keep the juices in the crockpot.
- Use two forks and gently pull apart the chicken. It should fall apart easily if cooked well.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the crockpot with the juices until it’s well-coated.
This not only enhances the flavor but makes sure each taco is deliciously moist! Enjoy your tacos!
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (choose your favorite, mild or spicy)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- Corn or whole wheat small tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream
Time Estimate:
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time, depending on your chopping skills, and then you’ll let it cook in the crockpot for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. So, in just a short time, you can have a healthy meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out for even cooking!
2. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken breasts evenly. This is where all the flavor comes in!
3. Add the Salsa and Broth:
Pour the salsa over the chicken, followed by the chicken broth or water. If you’re using onion and bell pepper, sprinkle those on top of the salsa now.
4. Cook in the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, 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 should shred easily!
6. Mix Back in the Crockpot:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the salsa and juices. This makes every bite super tasty!
7. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is resting, warm your tortillas. You can heat them in a pan over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds.
8. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now the fun part! Take a tortilla and spoon some of the shredded chicken onto it. Add whatever toppings you love—cilantro, lime juice, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos immediately and enjoy your healthy, flavorful meal! Do you have any leftovers? These tacos are just as tasty the next day!
FAQ for Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to add an extra hour or so to the cooking time since frozen chicken takes longer to cook. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own by combining 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix will give you a similar flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling new tacos.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like corn, black beans, or zucchini to the crockpot along with the chicken. This not only enhances the nutrition but also adds vibrant flavors and textures to your tacos!
