These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a breeze to make and packed with flavor! Just toss chicken, spices, and your favorite toppings into the slow cooker, and let it do the work!
Seriously, who can resist the aroma of tacos cooking all day? I like to serve mine with fresh veggies and a little salsa. It’s an easy dinner that everyone loves! 🌮😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for these tacos. They cook well and shred easily. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works too. For a richer flavor, try using thighs instead!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds a great kick to the dish. If you’re out, use regular diced tomatoes mixed with a bit of fresh or canned green chilies. Fire-roasted tomatoes are another tasty alternative.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought seasoning for convenience, but making it at home lets you control the spice level. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a simple mix.
Jalapeños: These add heat, but you can skip them if you’re sensitive to spice. Alternatively, try bell peppers for a milder flavor or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes instead.
Feta cheese: I love crumbled feta for a nice tangy contrast. Cotija works well too. If you need a dairy-free option, try using avocado or a nut-based cheese instead.
How Do I Shred the Chicken Efficiently?
Shredding chicken can be messy or frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s how to do it right:
- Once the chicken is cooked, keep it in the crockpot. The juices make shredding easier.
- Use two forks: one to hold the chicken in place and the other to pull it apart.
- Mix the shredded chicken back with the juices in the crockpot to keep it moist and flavorful.
Take your time, and don’t worry if it looks a bit rough—it’s all going into tasty tacos!
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (adjust to taste)
- For Toppings:
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or cotija cheese)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Corn or flour tortillas
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and requires 6-8 hours for slow cooking if on low heat, or 3-4 hours if using high heat. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken in the Crockpot:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Take the can of diced tomatoes (with all the juices) and pour it over the chicken evenly. This will add flavor and moisture.
2. Add Seasonings and Vegetables:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. This will give it that delicious taco flavor! Then, pour in the chicken broth to keep everything nice and juicy. Add the chopped red onion and sliced jalapeños on top to give it a bit of heat.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and can be easily shredded with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks. Mix the shredded chicken well with all the juices and seasonings for an even tastier filling.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
When you’re ready to eat, warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Then, take a spoonful of the shredded chicken filling and place it onto each tortilla.
6. Add Toppings:
Top your tacos with the diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro. If you like things spicy, feel free to add more sliced jalapeños!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over your tacos before enjoying them for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful crockpot chicken tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply place the frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot and adjust the cooking time. For frozen chicken, cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own with a mix of 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will replicate the flavor well!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Tacos?
Store any leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep the tortillas separately to prevent them from getting soggy. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for a mix of canned black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Just add your veggies to the crockpot with the tomatoes and seasoning, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until heated through. Enjoy your veggie version!
