– **Title**: Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can corn, drained
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cheese
– **Instructions**:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
3. Pour the salsa over the chicken, covering it completely.
4. Add the black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, and garlic into the crockpot, mixing gently to combine.
5. Squeeze the lime juice on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable.
7. Once done, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and mix back into the sauce.
8. To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into tortillas and top with your choice of optional toppings.
9. Enjoy your healthy crockpot chicken tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, as they become tender in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a healthier option or don’t have chicken, try using turkey breast instead.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning adds flavor quickly. If you prefer homemade, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a flavorful blend. This way, you control the salt and spice levels too!
Salsa: Choose any salsa you like, whether mild or hot. If you don’t have salsa on hand, diced tomatoes with green chilies can work too. For a fresh twist, consider using pico de gallo!
Greek Yogurt: I like using Greek yogurt for its creaminess and protein boost, but you can swap it for sour cream if you prefer. You can also use dairy-free yogurt for a great vegan option.
Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas both work well. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a lighter touch.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily in a Crockpot?
Shredding chicken right in the crockpot is super easy! Here’s how:
- After cooking, use two forks to pull the chicken apart directly in the crockpot.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce for extra flavor. It should be tender enough to shred easily if cooked correctly.
- Don’t worry if it looks messy; that’s part of the fun! Just ensure everything is combined nicely.
This method saves on dishes and keeps the smokey salsa flavor throughout the chicken! Enjoy your easy, tasty tacos!
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
For Assembly:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and will cook in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste. This will add flavor to the chicken while it cooks.
2. Mix the Broth and Seasoning:
In a separate bowl, combine the low-sodium chicken broth and the taco seasoning. Stir it well until the seasoning is fully dissolved. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure it’s well covered.
3. Add the Salsa:
Next, add the salsa on top of the chicken. You can choose mild, medium, or hot salsa, depending on how spicy you like your tacos. Ensure that the chicken is nicely covered with the salsa.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting will do it in 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when you can easily shred it with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot, mixing it well with the sauce. This makes it juicy and flavorful for your tacos!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is cooling off a bit, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a pan over low heat or in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them soft and flexible, perfect for wrapping up your taco fillings.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and spoon some of the shredded chicken mixture onto it. Don’t be shy—load it up!
8. Add Toppings:
Top your tacos with diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch! Feel free to pile on as much as you like—make it your own!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. Just squeeze some lime juice on top before enjoying. Dig in and savor the deliciousness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. If cooking on low, allow about 8-10 hours, and about 4-5 hours on high. The chicken will be just as tender, but you may need to adjust the seasonings slightly since the flavors will take a bit longer to incorporate.
Can I Make My Own Taco Seasoning?
Absolutely! For a quick homemade seasoning mix, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper to your liking!
What are Some Good Storage Tips for Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. The chicken stays juicy and delicious!
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the chicken with a mixture of black beans, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables. Add an extra cup of broth and season well to ensure plenty of flavor. Cook the same way, adjusting the time as needed to ensure everything is heated through!
