Description
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos recipe features tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked low and slow with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion powders, finished with salsa and lime juice. Perfect for a simple, nutritious, and versatile taco filling that can be enjoyed in tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Spices
- 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 and Spices: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot insert. Evenly sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder over the chicken. Pour the salsa on top, and drizzle with lime juice if using.
- Add Liquid and Cook: Pour the chicken broth or water into the crockpot. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, which is preferred for tender, juicy chicken. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours, but the low and slow method yields better texture.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts onto a cutting board and shred them using two forks. Alternatively, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to shred the chicken, but avoid using the hand mixer directly in the crockpot to prevent chipping the enamel.
- Combine and Soak: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to soak up the juices and fully absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the shredded chicken with your favorite taco toppings, in tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over rice.
Notes
- For best texture, cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours rather than high for 3-4 hours.
- Use red salsa for richer flavor, but green salsa works well too.
- Lime juice is optional but adds a nice bright acidity.
- Shredding with two forks is easy but a stand mixer can save time.
- Make sure not to shred chicken directly in the crockpot with a hand mixer to protect the crockpot’s enamel.
- Serve with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, chopped onions, and cheese for extra flavor.
