These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are super easy and yummy! Just toss chicken, spices, and some veggies in a slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
You can pile this tender chicken onto tortillas and add your favorite toppings. I love loading mine with avocado—it’s the best! 🥑
The convenience of throwing everything in the crockpot and coming home to a delicious meal is a game-changer for busy nights. Enjoying these tacos is a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for an alternative, try thighs for a juicier option. Just keep an eye on cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a convenient choice. If you’re not a fan, any other beans like pinto or kidney beans work well too. Just make sure to drain and rinse them to reduce sodium.
Corn: You can use frozen or canned corn, whichever you prefer. If you want something different, diced bell peppers add a nice crunch and color to the mix!
Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa based on your spice level tolerance. For a homemade option, simply blend tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and a dash of lime juice!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas have a wonderful flavor, but feel free to use flour tortillas if that’s what you prefer or have on hand. Whole wheat tortillas offer a healthier option too!
How Do I Shred Chicken Without Making a Mess?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! Once your chicken is cooked and tender, it’s time to shred it with two forks.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it in a large bowl.
- Using a fork in each hand, pull the chicken apart into shreds, working with the grain of the meat.
- For less mess, do this right over the bowl to catch any juices that come out.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the crockpot with the other ingredients.
Give it a good stir to combine everything before assembling your tacos! It’s that easy!
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then 6-7 hours to cook on low (or 4-5 hours on high). After cooking, you’ll spend a few more minutes assembling the tacos. Total time can vary depending on your cooking method, but it’s mostly hands-off cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts in your crockpot. This is the base for your tasty tacos!
2. Add the Other Ingredients:
Next, pour in the drained black beans, corn, and salsa. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, along with a little salt and pepper, over the top. It’s like making a delicious taco mix right in the pot!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you have the time, go for low heat for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, high heat for 4-5 hours will do the trick. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when it’s done.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once your cooking time is up, take off the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix everything together so that the chicken is well-coated with the tasty sauce and other ingredients!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
In a skillet or microwave, warm the tortillas until they’re soft and pliable. This makes them so much easier to fill and fold.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a tortilla and fill it with a generous scoop of the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy—load it up with that hearty filling!
7. Add the Toppings:
Top your taco with Greek yogurt (or sour cream), diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. These toppings add great flavor and a pop of color to your dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness. Enjoy your healthy crockpot chicken tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. If cooking on low, it may take about 7-8 hours, and on high, around 5-6 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with sour cream, regular plain yogurt, or even avocado for a creamy texture. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but all are delicious options for topping your tacos!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Tacos?
Store any leftover chicken taco mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for up to 3 months as well. To enjoy later, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a saucepan or microwave until warm.
How Can I Spice Up the Tacos?
If you like a bit more heat, consider adding some jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa. You can also mix in diced bell peppers or hotter taco seasoning for additional flavor. Customize according to your taste preferences!
