Description
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos recipe combines tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked low and slow with simple seasonings and salsa. Perfect for a busy day, this easy slow cooker meal is juicy, delicious, and customizable with your favorite taco toppings, making it a wholesome choice for taco night.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Liquids
- 1 cup salsa (red or green, red preferred)
- Juice of 2 limes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low or no salt) or water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot insert. Evenly sprinkle all the seasonings—chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder—over the chicken to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Add Salsa and Lime Juice: Pour 1 cup of salsa on top of the seasoned chicken breasts. If desired, squeeze the juice of 2 limes over the salsa and chicken for added brightness and tang.
- Add Liquid and Cook: Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water into the crockpot. Cover with the lid and set the cooker to low heat. Cook for 4 to 6 hours, which allows the chicken to cook gently and remain juicy. Alternatively, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, though low and slow is recommended for the best texture.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it carefully from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken on a cutting board. Alternatively, use a stand mixer or hand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly—avoid using a hand mixer directly in the crockpot to prevent damage to the enamel.
- Combine and Soak: Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot to soak up the flavorful cooking juices. Stir gently to combine and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the juicy shredded chicken into taco shells or tortillas. Add your favorite taco toppings such as lettuce, cheese, avocado, sour cream, or cilantro for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cooking on low heat for 4-6 hours yields the best tender, juicy chicken texture.
- Lime juice is optional but adds a refreshing zest to the chicken.
- Use low or no-salt chicken broth to control sodium levels.
- Shredding with a stand mixer is faster but be careful not to overmix to avoid mushy texture.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning quantities according to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican