I first made this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe on a busy weeknight, and honestly, they saved my dinner plans. I love how everything goes straight into the slow cooker with almost no prep. The chicken turns out incredibly tender and so full of flavor. Every time I make this recipe, it feels comforting but still light and wholesome.
It’s one of those meals I keep coming back to when I want something easy and satisfying. You can also enjoy similar indulgent desserts like Black Velvet Cake Recipe afterward for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – lean protein that cooks tender in the crockpot and shreds easily without drying out.
- 1 cup salsa – use a fresh, good-quality salsa for bold flavor without needing extra oil or salt.
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained – draining prevents excess liquid while keeping a mild kick of heat.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons) – homemade seasoning works best to control sodium and spice levels.
- ½ onion, diced – adds natural sweetness and depth as it slowly cooks with the chicken.
Note: serves 4 servings.
Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Use salsa verde instead of red salsa for a tangy flavor profile.
- Swap chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Keep it dairy-free by skipping cheese and creamy toppings.
- Add black beans or corn during the last hour for extra texture and fiber.
- Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro before serving for brightness.
- For a lighter dessert pairing, try Vanilla Cream Pie Recipe after your tacos.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Slow Cooker: cooks the chicken gently until tender and flavorful.
- Sharp Knife: used for trimming chicken and dicing onion.
- Cutting Board: provides a clean, stable prep surface.
- Forks: perfect for shredding the cooked chicken evenly.
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe?
Prepare the Sauce
I start by mixing the salsa, diced tomatoes with chilies, and taco seasoning in a bowl. This ensures the seasoning spreads evenly across the chicken. The mixture should look well combined and slightly thick.
Add Everything to the Crockpot
Next, I place the diced onion and chicken breasts into the slow cooker. I pour the prepared sauce right over the top so the chicken is fully coated. This helps lock in moisture as it cooks.
Slow Cook and Shred
I cook everything on low for about 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Once the chicken is tender, I shred it directly in the crockpot and mix it into the juices. This step makes the chicken extra juicy and flavorful.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this recipe many times, these tips really make a difference for me:
- I always drain the canned tomatoes to avoid excess liquid.
- I prefer homemade taco seasoning for a fresher, cleaner taste.
- I let the shredded chicken rest in the sauce for 10 minutes before serving.
- I lightly toast or warm the tortillas for better texture.
- I finish the chicken with fresh lime juice for added brightness.
How to Serve Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe?
Serve the shredded chicken in warm corn or flour tortillas. I love topping them with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. You can also add shredded lettuce, cheese, or a spoon of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Arrange toppings neatly for a colorful, appetizing presentation.
Nutritional Information
This nutritional breakdown is for the chicken filling only.
- Calories: approximately 179 per serving
- Protein: about 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: around 12 grams
- Fat: roughly 3 grams
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It stays moist and reheats very well.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. I usually add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken from drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe checks all the right boxes for easy, healthy meals.
- Simple and hands-off: the slow cooker does most of the work.
- Healthy and filling: lean protein with balanced nutrition.
- Versatile: works in tacos, bowls, salads, or wraps.
- Customizable: easy to adjust spice level and toppings.
- Meal-prep friendly: perfect for making ahead and storing.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I start by mixing the salsa, diced tomatoes with chilies, and taco seasoning in a bowl. This ensures the seasoning spreads evenly across the chicken. The mixture should look well combined and slightly thick.
- Next, I place the diced onion and chicken breasts into the slow cooker. I pour the prepared sauce right over the top so the chicken is fully coated. This helps lock in moisture as it cooks.
- I cook everything on low for about 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Once the chicken is tender, I shred it directly in the crockpot and mix it into the juices. This step makes the chicken extra juicy and flavorful.
Notes
- I always drain the canned tomatoes to avoid excess liquid.
- I prefer homemade taco seasoning for a fresher, cleaner taste.
- I let the shredded chicken rest in the sauce for 10 minutes before serving.
- I lightly toast or warm the tortillas for better texture.
- I finish the chicken with fresh lime juice for added brightness.