These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are super simple and packed with flavor! Just toss some chicken, spices, and your favorite veggies into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? I can’t get enough of the juicy, tender chicken piled high on tortillas. Perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean texture. If you’re looking for a different option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great for a quick fix. Just add it to the crockpot for the last hour to warm it up!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have any, just use water—it’ll still turn out tasty. Vegetable broth is also an excellent vegetarian option if you’re swapping out the chicken.
Diced Tomatoes: Using canned diced tomatoes is super convenient. You can replace these with fresh tomatoes if they’re in season—just chop them up finely. If you love it spicy, consider adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika gives a great flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your preference. If you want to kick it up a notch, add more chili powder or even some taco seasoning.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken might feel tricky, but it’s pretty straightforward. Follow these tips for success:
- Cook the chicken until it’s fork-tender. This means letting it simmer until it easily falls apart.
- Use two forks to shred it right inside the crockpot, keeping all those flavorful juices around.
- Don’t rush! Just let the forks do their work as you pull apart the chicken, and it’ll mix perfectly with the juices.
Once shredded, stir in lime juice to brighten up the flavors. Now you’re ready to serve it in warm tortillas!
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Spices:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small whole wheat or corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, salsa, shredded low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt or light sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delectable dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks in the crockpot for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have tasty chicken tacos 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’re spread out flat so they cook evenly.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine chicken broth (or water), drained diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and all your spices—chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until combined.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot with the lid, and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Show some patience while the magic happens! Your house will smell amazing!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is complete and the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred the chicken right inside the crockpot. Make sure to stir it well to coat the shredded chicken with those delicious juices from the pot.
5. Finish with Lime:
For that zesty touch, squeeze in the juice of one lime and mix it into the chicken. It adds a fresh brightness to the flavor.
6. Warm Tortillas:
Just before you’re ready to serve, warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. This will make folding them easier.
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Time to build your tacos! Place a good amount of shredded chicken onto each tortilla. Top it off with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings of your choice. Diced avocado and a drizzle of Greek yogurt make great additions!
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your healthy, flavorful crockpot chicken tacos! They’re perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
FAQ for Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just extend the cooking time to about 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like a little kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or include a diced jalapeño in the mix. You can also use spicy diced tomatoes for an extra layer of heat!
Can I Prepare This Meal Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and the seasoning mixture the night before. Just store them in the fridge separately and throw it all in the crockpot in the morning for a delicious dinner ready when you get home!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months—thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
