Description
Enjoy a healthy twist on taco night with this easy slow cooker recipe. Tender chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices, then shredded and served in tacos or over a salad for a low-carb meal. Customize with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
For the Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos:
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning – see below)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
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1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
Optional Toppings:
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Soft corn or flour tortillas
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
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Salsa or pico de gallo
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Sliced avocado or guacamole
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Shredded lettuce
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Sliced jalapeños
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free alternative)
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Lime wedges
Instructions
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your crockpot. If you’re using thighs, they will provide a bit more juiciness due to their higher fat content, but chicken breasts work just as well and are a leaner option.
In a small bowl, combine the taco seasoning with the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also make your own taco seasoning by mixing together these spices with a bit of oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed. If you’re using a homemade seasoning, you may want to adjust the amounts to suit your taste. For extra flavor, you can drizzle the chicken with olive oil, but this step is optional.
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth or water into the crockpot. The liquid helps keep the chicken moist while it cooks, and it also infuses the chicken with additional flavor. The broth adds richness, while water will keep the dish lighter. If you prefer, you can substitute with vegetable broth or add lime juice for a tangy kick.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness after the suggested time. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, allow it to continue cooking in 30-minute increments.
Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs or two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. The chicken should fall apart effortlessly. Mix the shredded chicken with the cooking juices in the crockpot to keep it moist and flavorful.
If desired, stir in some lime juice for an extra burst of freshness. This will enhance the overall flavor of the tacos and balance out the spices.
While the chicken is cooking, warm your tortillas so they’re ready to fill with the tender chicken. You can either heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds. Keeping the tortillas warm will make them more pliable and delicious.
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Place a generous amount of the shredded chicken onto each warm tortilla. Then, top with your choice of fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, salsa, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, jalapeños, sour cream, or cheese. Be as creative as you like and adjust the toppings to your taste.
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. You can also serve them with a side of black beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 6-7 hours (on low)
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 20-25g