These easy healthy crockpot chicken tacos are perfect for busy days! Just toss chicken, spices, and salsa in your crockpot, and let it cook to tender perfection.
Serving these tacos is like a party on a plate! 🎉 I love adding fresh toppings like avocado or cilantro to make them even better. Quick, tasty, and so simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for tender tacos. If you prefer, boneless thighs work well too, adding a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try shredded cooked turkey instead!
Salsa: Pick a salsa that suits your taste! I love a chunky salsa for texture, but smooth salsa is great too. If you don’t have salsa, diced tomatoes with some chopped onions and cilantro can also do the trick.
Taco seasoning: Store-bought is easy, but making your own is rewarding! Customize it to your spice level. If you don’t have all the spices, just chili powder can be a quick substitute, or even a packet of ranch seasoning can give a unique twist.
Tortillas: I usually go for corn tortillas for their flavor, but whole wheat is a nice healthier option. If you’re gluten-free, check for gluten-free tortillas or use lettuce wraps for a fresh and crunchy alternative.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Is Shredded Perfectly?
The key to perfectly shredded chicken is cooking it long enough for it to become tender. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours—don’t rush it! This slow cooking breaks down the fibers.
- When you remove the chicken, use two forks to pull it apart gently; if it doesn’t shred easily, it likely needs more time.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the juices from the crockpot to soak up that added flavor.
Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (choose your favorite, mild or spicy)
- 1 packet (about 1 tablespoon) taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp oregano, salt and pepper to taste)
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or whole wheat tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded reduced-fat cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. After cooking, you’ll need a few more minutes to assemble your tacos. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious tacos in less than a workday!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is where all the magic will happen!
2. Add Flavor:
Evenly sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. This adds the flavorful kick we all love. Next, pour the salsa and chicken broth over the top. This will keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
3. Cooking Time:
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If you have the time, go for the low setting for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting will cook it in 3-4 hours. Either way, you’re going to end up with deliciously tender chicken!
4. Shredding the Chicken:
Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken – just pull it apart, and it should come apart easily! Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring to mix it with all that tasty sauce.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is getting cozy in the sauce, warm your tortillas according to the package instructions. This can be done on a dry skillet or in the microwave. Warming them makes them more pliable and tasty!
6. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a tortilla and scoop some of that delicious shredded chicken onto it. Load up on your favorite toppings—like creamy avocado, crunchy lettuce, fresh cilantro, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy touch. Don’t forget to squeeze some lime juice on top!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos right away while they’re warm, and don’t forget the lime wedges on the side! Get ready for some happy tastebuds. Enjoy your easy, healthy crockpot chicken tacos!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. Be sure to cook it on low to ensure it becomes tender and easy to shred.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and seasoning the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it into the crockpot in the morning for a delicious dinner when you get home!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a dash of water to keep it moist!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
The possibilities are endless! You can add sliced jalapeños for heat, corn for sweetness, or black beans for added protein. Get creative with your favorite toppings!
