Description
Mexican-inspired Crockpot Chicken Tacos bring zesty flavors straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Tender chicken infused with robust spices promises a delightful meal you can easily prepare and savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 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
Liquid and Additional Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
Serving Suggestions:
- 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
- Prepare the crockpot by layering chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base for cooking.
- Generously dust the chicken with a vibrant blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
- Pour a zesty mixture of salsa, chicken broth, tangy lime juice, and a touch of honey over the seasoned chicken, which will infuse the meat with rich, complex flavors during cooking.
- Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low for a slow, gentle cooking process that will tenderize the chicken over 6-7 hours, or use high heat for a quicker 3-4 hour preparation.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully remove the chicken and use two forks to gently pull the meat apart, creating tender, succulent shreds.
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooking liquid, stirring gently to allow the meat to absorb the remaining aromatic juices and spices.
- Serve the flavorful chicken in warm tortillas, crisp lettuce wraps, or as a protein-packed topping for a fresh salad, allowing diners to customize with their preferred garnishes and accompaniments.
Notes
- Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts to ensure leaner, healthier protein with less fat.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili powder and adding cayenne for extra heat or reducing for milder flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and salsa to control salt intake and make the recipe more diet-friendly.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free meal by serving in corn tortillas or crisp lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg