Tired of endless takeout menus and complicated recipes? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This crock pot chicken taco recipe is your answer to easy weeknight dinners. It’s a simple, flavorful, and customizable dish perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a quick and healthy meal. This recipe is so easy, even beginner cooks will feel like pros! Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade – recipe below!)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite taco toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This adds a depth of flavor to your tacos.
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Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions and garlic (if using), diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and taco seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
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Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
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Serve: Serve the chicken taco filling in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):
If you prefer a homemade taco seasoning blend, here's a simple recipe:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a jalapeño or two to the slow cooker for extra heat.
- Make it healthier: Use lean ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
- Add veggies: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make it a bowl: Serve the chicken taco filling over rice or quinoa for a hearty and healthy meal.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and toppings used. This is an estimate for a serving of chicken with a small amount of sauce and toppings.
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This crock pot chicken taco recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes perfect for busy weeknights. It's a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Enjoy!