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Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Set-it-and-forget-it shredded chicken tacos made clean and simple: lean chicken breasts, real spices, and salsa slow-cooked until juicy and tender. Perfect for tacos, bowls, salads, or lettuce wraps—and ideal for meal prep, freezer-friendly eating, and busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Meal Prep
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 6 servings
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup low-sodium salsa sugar-free
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 1 lime lime juice juice of 1 lime

Optional for Serving

  • corn or almond flour tortillas or lettuce wraps
  • shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, red onion, hot sauce or jalapeños for topping
  • plain Greek yogurt as a healthy sour cream substitute

Instructions
 

  • Add to crockpot: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle on chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Pour salsa and lime juice over the top.
  • Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until chicken shreds easily.
  • Shred: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir into the cooking juices to soak up flavor and moisture.
  • Assemble & serve: Warm tortillas (or use lettuce wraps). Fill with chicken and desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tips: Pat chicken dry before seasoning; use fresh lime for brightness; avoid overcooking to keep chicken juicy; stir in black beans or corn for extra fiber; portion leftovers for easy meal prep.
Use-it-many-ways: Taco bowls over brown rice or quinoa, lettuce wraps for low-carb, baked tacos with cheese, nachos, or stuffed bell peppers.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or salsa to prevent drying.
Keyword clean eating tacos, dairy free tacos, gluten free tacos, healthy crockpot chicken tacos, slow cooker shredded chicken