These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a delicious, easy, and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights! Made with lean chicken, flavorful spices, and simple ingredients, this slow cooker recipe creates juicy, tender shredded chicken that can be used in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work!
- Healthy & Lean – High in protein and packed with flavor.
- Versatile – Use in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or lettuce wraps.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and use throughout the week.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level and toppings to your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
Seasonings & Spices:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Shredded cheese
- Lime wedges
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Layer Ingredients – Add chicken breasts to the crockpot and top with diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, olive oil, and lime juice.
- Season the Chicken – Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the top.
Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Cook on LOW or HIGH – Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Shred the Chicken & Serve:
- Shred the Chicken – Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the crockpot to soak up the juices for 10 minutes.
- Assemble Tacos – Fill warm tortillas with shredded chicken and your favorite toppings.
- Serve & Enjoy – Squeeze fresh lime juice over tacos and serve immediately!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
- Creamy Chicken Tacos – Stir in ½ cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese at the end.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos – Swap diced tomatoes for BBQ sauce.
- Taco Soup – Add extra broth and black beans for a hearty soup version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded chicken in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Increase the cook time by about 1 hour on LOW.
What’s the best way to prevent dry chicken?
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture and shred the chicken back into the juices.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release and shred.
What can I serve with these tacos?
Try them with black beans, corn salsa, a side salad, or Mexican rice.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese and sour cream toppings.
How do I make it extra flavorful?
Marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before slow cooking.
What tortillas work best?
Corn tortillas for a classic touch or whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just simmer in the crockpot with the seasonings and broth for 30 minutes.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
How do I make it less spicy?
Omit the red pepper flakes and reduce chili powder for a milder version.
Conclusion
These Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a simple, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender, juicy chicken and bold seasonings, they’re an easy go-to recipe the whole family will love. Try them today and customize with your favorite toppings!
PrintHealthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
These Crockpot Chicken Tacos are a set-it-and-forget-it meal, featuring juicy, seasoned shredded chicken with a simple spice blend and salsa. Serve them in corn tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over a salad for a delicious, healthy dinner!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
For Serving (Optional):
- Corn or whole wheat tortillas (or lettuce wraps for low-carb)
- Avocado or guacamole
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro
- Cotija or shredded cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Assemble Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Pour in salsa, chicken broth, lime juice, and honey.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Step 3: Shred & Serve
- Remove the chicken and shred with two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker to absorb the juices.
- Serve in tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over a salad, and add your favorite toppings!
Notes
- Want extra heat? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- No salsa? Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.