These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a breeze to make! Just throw in some chicken, spices, and your favorite toppings, then let the slow cooker work its magic while you relax.
The best part? The chicken turns out super tender and juicy! I love piling mine high with fresh veggies and a dash of lime. Tacos for dinner? Yes, please!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they stay moist and shred easily. Alternatively, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut too!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is handy, but making your own can be more flavorful and healthier. Use spices you already have, like chili powder and cumin, to whip up your blend. You could also try a spicy blend if you love heat!
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish healthier by reducing the sodium content. Vegetable broth works if you want a vegetarian option or just to change things up. Homemade broth is also great if you have it on hand!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add a nice kick and flavor. If you prefer a milder taco, opt for plain diced tomatoes. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to sour cream. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt. Though, the tanginess of Greek yogurt really complements the flavors in this dish!
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken in the crockpot is super simple! After cooking, it should be fork-tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Leave the chicken in the crockpot with the juices for flavor.
- Use two forks: one to hold the chicken steady and the other to pull apart the meat. It should come apart easily.
- Mix the shredded chicken into the sauce to soak up all that tasty goodness.
This technique not only makes shredding easy but keeps your chicken juicy and flavorful in the sauce!
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade Taco Seasoning (if you prefer to make your own):
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks in your crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for a busy day; just set it and let it cook!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your crockpot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well. This will add a lot of flavor!
2. Add the Liquids:
Next, pour the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including all the juices) over the chicken. This will keep everything moist and juicy while cooking.
3. Optional Add-ins:
If you like, you can add the diced onion and minced garlic on top. These ingredients give your tacos even more flavor, but they’re fine to skip if you want a simpler recipe.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now, cover your crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Stir it in with the sauce so all the flavors mix together beautifully.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is shredding, warm up your tortillas. You can do this in a skillet on the stove or quickly in the microwave for a few seconds until they are pliable.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to make your tacos! Take a tortilla and place a generous amount of the shredded chicken mixture in the center.
8. Add Toppings:
Top your chicken with Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Feel free to pile on as much as you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice over your tacos right before enjoying for an extra zing!
Enjoy your healthy and delicious crockpot chicken tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly, about 30-60 minutes depending on your crockpot’s power. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. If you can, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can easily whip up your own using spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preference, or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If you freeze leftovers, they’ll last for up to 3 months; just defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with drained and rinsed canned black beans or chickpeas. Adjust the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high, just enough to heat through and let the flavors meld. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!
