These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are super easy to make! Just toss some chicken, spices, and your favorite toppings into a slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
Who doesn’t love tacos? They’re fun, tasty, and perfect for sharing—plus, you’ll have extra time to relax while they cook! I like to serve mine with lots of fresh veggies on top.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and shred easily. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using chicken thighs, which are a bit juicier.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring moisture and flavor. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to substitute with about 2 medium chopped fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste.
Green Chilies: These add a mild kick. If you want more heat, you can switch to a can of jalapeños or use fresh chopped jalapeños instead.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper create a fantastic flavor base. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika will work just fine, though you won’t get that smoky flavor.
Broth: Low sodium chicken broth adds moisture. You can swap it for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian or use water if you’re in a pinch.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken can be tricky if it’s not cooked properly. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Use two forks to shred the chicken easily. If it feels tough, it may need more cooking time.
- Add lime juice after shredding for a little brightness that will enhance the flavors.
Shredded chicken can be used in many ways, so consider making more to save for quick meals later in the week!
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Ready in Minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Small whole wheat or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep! Then, you’ll need to let it cook in the crockpot for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. In no time at all, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This is where all the flavor will soak in!
2. Add Vegetables and Spices:
Next, sprinkle the drained diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, chopped onion, and minced garlic over the chicken. Then, mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well-distributed over the chicken!
3. Add Broth:
Pour the low sodium chicken broth over the top. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together just a bit. This will help all the flavors blend while cooking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If using low heat, you’ll need about 4-6 hours, or you can use high heat for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and shred easily with a fork when it’s done.
5. Shred and Season:
Once the chicken has cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the fresh lime juice for that zesty kick! Mix everything well to coat the chicken in those delicious juices.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is flavored and ready, warm your tortillas according to the package instructions. They should be soft and pliable to hold all your taco goodness!
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Spoon the shredded chicken mixture onto the warm tortillas. Top them with freshly chopped cilantro and any of your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, diced tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, salsa, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these tasty tacos immediately while they’re warm and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time! Sharing with friends or family makes it even better!
FAQ for Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, make sure to extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours. It’s essential to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. You can also thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for quicker cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Some Spices on Hand?
No worries! If you’re missing any spices, you can adjust based on what you have. For instance, if you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work fine. You can also experiment with taco seasoning if you have it; just adjust the salt level since it may contain added salt.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, store tortillas separately to avoid sogginess. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stove, and warm the tortillas as needed.
What Are Some Good Topping Combinations?
The beauty of tacos is in the toppings! Besides cilantro, consider avocado slices, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even pickled onions for extra flavor. You could also add shredded cheese or salsa for a more classic touch. Get creative with your favorite flavors!
