These Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a breeze to make! Just toss in some chicken, spices, and salsa, and let the slow cooker do its magic while you relax.
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without the fuss. I love piling on fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro—it’s like a fiesta on my plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I always go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re lean and cook beautifully in the crockpot. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor, but they will be a bit more fatty.
Salsa: Choose any salsa you like, whether mild or spicy! If you can’t find salsa, try diced tomatoes mixed with a bit of chopped jalapeño and onion for a fresh alternative.
Taco Seasoning: The pre-made packet is convenient, but homemade seasoning is just as easy! Use chili powder and cumin as your base and adjust the spices to your taste. It’s a fun way to customize the flavor!
Tortillas: I prefer whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option, but corn tortillas are traditional and gluten-free. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding the chicken is a key step for the perfect taco filling. Here’s a quick way to do it:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it in a bowl.
- Use two forks and simply pull the chicken apart. It should shred easily!
- If you have a hand mixer, you can even use that on low speed to shred it in seconds.
Mix the shredded chicken with the juices in the crockpot; it keeps it flavorful and moist for your tacos! Enjoy the process; it’s part of the fun!
How to Make Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning or homemade seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
For the Tacos:
- 8 small whole wheat or corn tortillas
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Optional: lime wedges, low-fat sour cream, shredded cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s a hands-off meal that lets you relax while dinner cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Started with the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out evenly for even cooking.
2. Spice It Up:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning all over the chicken. If using homemade seasoning, mix together in a small bowl first, then sprinkle over the chicken.
3. Add Salsa and Liquid:
Pour the salsa and chicken broth over the chicken and seasoning with care. This adds tons of flavor!
4. Cover and Cook:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when finished.
5. Shred that Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix It Up:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and mix it into the sauce. It’ll soak up all that juicy goodness!
7. Warm the Tortillas:
In the meantime, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or microwave them for about 15-20 seconds.
8. Assemble Your Tacos:
Grab a warm tortilla and spoon a good amount of the shredded chicken into the center.
9. Topping Time:
Add your desired toppings! Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, layer on avocado slices, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and red onion.
10. Optional Extras:
For extra flavor, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top or add a dollop of low-fat sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese if you like.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately and dig into your deliciously healthy crockpot chicken tacos. They’re perfect for family dinner or meal prepping for the week!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to cook it on high for 4-5 hours instead of on low, as it may take longer to cook through. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Salsa?
If you don’t have salsa, you can use diced tomatoes mixed with chopped jalapeño and onion for a similar flavor, or even a can of crushed tomatoes with spices. Just adjust the heat according to your preference!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make the Chicken Tacos Spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the spice level by adding more hot salsa, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning. You can also top your tacos with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
