– **Title**: Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
– 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, or salsa
– **Instructions**:
1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), taco seasoning, and chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir to combine with the other ingredients in the crockpot.
6. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
7. Serve the chicken mixture in the tortillas and add your choice of optional toppings.
8. Enjoy your healthy crockpot chicken tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main protein here. If you want something lower in fat, you can use chicken thighs instead for more flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is quick and easy, but making your own allows you to control the ingredients. Adjust spices based on your taste; for extra heat, add cayenne pepper.
Black Beans: These are optional but add fiber and protein. If you don’t have them, try other beans like pinto or kidney beans, or leave them out for a lighter dish.
Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work well. I often use frozen as it’s easy to keep on hand. If you want to switch it up, diced bell peppers can add a nice crunch and flavor.
Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas are great, but you can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Consider whole wheat tortillas for a healthier alternative.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Shred Easily?
Shredding chicken can be tricky if it’s not cooked properly. The key is to cook it long enough so that it becomes tender. Whether using low or high setting, make sure to give it sufficient time to cook through.
- Place chicken in the crockpot, cover with broth and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Be patient; this step is crucial!
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot, mixing it back with the juices for extra flavor.
This technique not only makes it easy to shred but also ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Happy cooking!
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: use 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- Red onion, diced (for garnish)
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe only requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a tasty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. These will be the star of the dish, so make sure they are nice and flat for even cooking.
2. Add the Flavorings:
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring they soak up that flavorful liquid. Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, toss in the diced onion, and add the minced garlic. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together nicely.
3. Include Extra Ingredients (Optional):
If you want to add some extra nutrition and flavor, you can toss in the black beans and corn at this point. It’s totally optional, but they make for a heartier taco!
4. Let it Cook:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the chicken is fully cooked, it will be tender and easy to shred with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir it into the flavorful sauce to ensure every bit of chicken is coated.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While you are shredding the chicken, take a moment to warm up the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat or quickly in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the shredded chicken mixture into warm tortillas and top with diced tomatoes, red onions, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if you like.
8. Enjoy!
Dig into your healthy crockpot chicken tacos and enjoy a delicious, easy meal that’s sure to please! Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings!
Can I Use Thawed Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Thawed chicken works just as well as fresh. Just make sure you thaw it safely in the fridge, overnight is best. You can also use the quick method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 1-2 hours.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own! Simply mix together 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the mixture seems dry, add a little chicken broth to moisten it while reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep everything the night before. Just layer the ingredients in the crockpot, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours while you’re out. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home!
