These healthy slow cooker chicken tacos are a breeze to make! Just throw chicken, spices, and your favorite veggies into the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
I love how the chicken gets super tender while cooking. It’s perfect for family taco night, and you can top it with guac or salsa. Yum! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here, but thighs work wonderfully too. They have a bit more fat, which keeps them juicy. If you’re looking for even leaner, you can use turkey breast.
Salsa: Using low-sodium salsa helps control salt intake. Any flavor works—mild, medium, or hot. If you don’t have salsa, diced tomatoes mixed with some lime juice and spices can substitute well.
Spices: The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives an amazing flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or a sprinkle of liquid smoke can add that smoky touch.
Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for tacos because they’re traditional and gluten-free. Flour tortillas are a good substitute if you prefer them, just know they can be higher in calories.
How Do I Achieve Tender, Shredded Chicken?
The key to perfectly shredded chicken is cooking it long enough for it to become tender. Here’s how:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and cover it with the spice mix and salsa.
- Cooking on low for longer (6-7 hours) really allows the flavors to soak in.
- When shredding, use two forks to pull the chicken apart, mixing it with the sauce for added flavor throughout.
Keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of the cooking time; it should pull apart easily. If it doesn’t, give it a bit more time!
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium salsa (choose your favorite variety)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Tacos:
- 8-10 small corn tortillas (for a healthier option)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream (for topping)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then you simply set your slow cooker. It requires cooking time of about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, depending on your schedule. Once done, you can serve the tacos right away for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. This will be the base for your flavor-packed tacos.
2. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling adventurous), and a bit of salt and black pepper. This spice blend will create a delicious flavor for your chicken.
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure to cover them well so every bite is full of flavor!
4. Add the Salsa:
Pour the low-sodium salsa over the chicken, ensuring it mixes with the spices and coats the chicken nicely. This will keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
5. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through when done.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Mix it back into the salsa and juices in the cooker to soak up all that delicious flavor.
7. Prepare the Tortillas:
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side, or you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.
8. Assemble the Tacos:
Grab a tortilla and add a generous scoop of the shredded chicken. Top it off with diced avocado, fresh tomato, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for some creaminess!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy your tasty, healthy slow cooker chicken tacos!
These healthy slow cooker chicken tacos are perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. Enjoy every delicious bite! 🌮
If you’re a fan of flavorful chicken dishes, there are even more tasty options to try beyond tacos. For a crispy and herby bite, check out the Easy Pan Fried Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe. If you prefer a cheesy, hearty option, the Chicken Philly Sandwiches are always a hit. And for a classic layered favorite, don’t miss the Easy Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Recipe.
FAQ: Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time; frozen chicken may need an additional hour to cook through. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or salsa if it seems dry.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
What Can I Substitute for Tortillas?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use lettuce leaves for low-carb tacos, or whole wheat tortillas for a slightly healthier option. Corn tortillas are best for a gluten-free choice!
Conclusion
These Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are the perfect mix of convenience and flavor, making them an easy weeknight favorite or a crowd-pleasing party dish. With tender chicken and fresh toppings, they deliver both taste and nutrition in every bite.
For more slow cooker inspiration, try the rich and comforting Easy Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe. Or, add a tropical flair to your menu with the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe, a sweet and savory favorite.
These recipes will keep your dinners fresh, exciting, and stress-free.
