These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are packed with flavor and goodness! Tender chicken cooks slowly with tasty spices, making them super juicy and easy to shred.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks while you do your thing? I love throwing these ingredients in the crockpot and coming home to a delicious dinner. Perfect with your favorite toppings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken is the key to keep this dish light and healthy. If you’re short on time, cubed chicken thighs also work well, adding more flavor and moisture.
Taco Seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet for convenience. If you prefer homemade, a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika will do the trick. Adjust spices based on your taste preference!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds a nice kick to the tacos. If you can’t find this variety, substitute plain diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili flakes or jalapeños for heat.
Corn: Feel free to use fresh corn when in season, but frozen corn is a great shortcut. If you want alternatives, black beans or fire-roasted corn can add different flavors.
Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for their authentic taste. However, flour tortillas can also work. Consider gluten-free wraps if needed.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily After Cooking?
Shredding the chicken may sound tricky, but it’s pretty simple! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Start at the thickest part and work your way out.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the crockpot. This helps soak up more flavor!
- If the chicken is tough to shred, it might need a bit more cooking time. Check for doneness and give it a little more time if needed.
Trust me, with practice, shredding chicken will become a breeze, adding deliciousness to your tacos!
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas (corn or flour, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll let your crockpot do the work for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until dinner time! Easy and healthy!
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 main star of your tacos!
2. Season the Chicken:
Evenly sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Make sure to cover all pieces so they are flavorful!
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. This will keep everything moist and tasty!
4. Mix in the Veggies:
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and corn into the crockpot. Users fresh or frozen corn based on what you have at home. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste!
5. Set & Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the sauce. Stir everything together to combine for that delicious taco filling!
7. Heat Your Tortillas:
Warm your tortillas in a pan or microwave so they’re nice and soft for filling. Just a minute or so will do!
8. Assemble the Tacos:
Serve the shredded chicken mixture in the warm tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any other toppings you love like avocado or sour cream.
9. Enjoy!
Dig into your Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos and enjoy every bite. They’ll be bursting with flavors and goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low heat, as it takes longer to cook through when frozen. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own! Combine 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust spices to taste based on your preference!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken taco mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. It also freezes well, so you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as these can be added for the last hour of cooking, just until they’re heated through. Enjoy with the same delicious toppings!
