These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are super easy and oh-so-tasty! Just toss chicken, spices, and some salsa into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic.
Perfect for busy days, you can let the crockpot work while you go about your life. I love loading up my tacos with fresh toppings—it’s like a fiesta in every bite! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great as they’re lean and easy to shred. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too for added flavor and juiciness.
Taco Seasoning: You can use a store-bought seasoning, but making your own lets you control salt and spices. Adjust chili powder and cumin to your taste. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the chili powder.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor without too much sodium. Vegetable broth is a good substitute if you want a vegetarian option, or you can use water if you’re in a pinch.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Use regular diced tomatoes if you like less spice, or add fresh chilies for an extra kick. Fire-roasted tomatoes can also enhance the flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This is a healthy swap for sour cream. You can use regular sour cream or even cottage cheese if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s really simple once the chicken is well-cooked and tender. The key is to let it simmer long enough to make the shredding easy.
- Ensure the chicken is submerged in broth and topped with seasoning for even cooking.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart in the crockpot. This keeps all the flavorful juices intact.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the remaining liquid in the crockpot for added moisture and flavor!
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt to taste)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz), drained
- 8 small corn tortillas
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (as a healthier sour cream alternative)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time. You’ll need to cook it in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Once cooked, assembling the tacos is quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out evenly. This will allow them to cook properly and soak up all the flavors!
2. Adding the Liquids and Seasoning:
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken, followed by the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over everything, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated. This is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Now, you have two options for cooking: set it on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork. So, do your best to resist peeking too often!
4. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken with the juices for extra flavor. The chicken should be delicious and juicy!
5. Warming the Tortillas:
While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by placing them on a skillet for a minute or two, or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them until they’re pliable. This will make them soft and easy to roll!
6. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place a generous portion of the shredded chicken onto each tortilla. Top it up with a dollop of Greek yogurt, followed by diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
7. Serving:
Serve your healthy tacos right away. Don’t forget to offer optional toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious and healthy crockpot chicken tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just add an additional hour to the cooking time. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own mix! Just combine 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and salt to taste. Adjust the spices based on your flavor preferences!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, keep the chicken and tortillas separate until ready to eat. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, and warm the tortillas briefly before serving.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños when cooking or as a topping. You can also mix some red pepper flakes into the taco seasoning for an extra kick!
