Imagine coming home after a long day, the aroma of savory spices and tender chicken wafting through the air. You open the door, and there it is—the perfect comfort food waiting for you: Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos. These tacos are not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them a fantastic choice for a healthy meal that satisfies your cravings. With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that your family will love.

The Upside of Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos

There’s something magical about slow cooking. The way flavors meld together over time is unmatched. When it comes to Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos, the slow cooker makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat. Plus, this dish is versatile, allowing you to customize toppings and sides to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to impress.

What You’ll Need

1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts
3 cups salsa (no sugar added)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
8 whole-wheat flour tortillas
1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
1 large tomato, diced
1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup avocado, diced
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

Toolbox for This Recipe

Slow Cooker: The star of the show! A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Cutting Board and Knife: Perfect for prepping your vegetables and dicing the tomato and avocado.
Serving Spoon: For scooping the filling into the tortillas.

Cooking Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos: The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Add the Salsa and Spices

Pour the 3 cups of salsa over the chicken, followed by the ground cumin and chili powder. These spices will create a rich and flavorful base for your tacos.

Step 3: Add the Broth, Corn, and Beans

Next, add the low-sodium chicken broth, corn kernels, and black beans to the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the salsa mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process will yield tender chicken that shreds easily.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return it to the slow cooker, stirring it back into the salsa mixture.

Step 6: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm the whole-wheat flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. This step makes them pliable and perfect for folding.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

Spoon the shredded chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Top with shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos are ready to be devoured! Serve them with extra toppings on the side, and enjoy the delicious flavors in every bite.

Season-by-Season Upgrades

Spring: Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty touch.
Summer: Incorporate fresh corn from the cob for a sweet crunch.
Fall: Include diced bell peppers for added sweetness and color.
Winter: Top with a spicy jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce for warmth.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos is their adaptability. You can easily swap out the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different salsas; a chipotle salsa adds a smoky flavor, while a mango salsa brings sweetness that pairs beautifully.

To save time, you can prep the ingredients the night before. Just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll come home to a fragrant meal.
These tacos are great for meal prep! Make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! The chicken mixture can be frozen for future meals. Simply let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

To freeze, portion out the mixture into individual servings for easy meals on busy days.
Consider freezing the chicken mixture without the tortillas, as they are best fresh.

Explore More

Sally’s Baking Addiction – Discover delicious desserts and baking tips.
Pinch of Yum – Explore a variety of healthy and tasty recipes.
Minimalist Baker – Find simple, plant-based recipes with minimal ingredients.

Final Bite

As you savor each bite of your Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos, take a moment to appreciate the journey of flavors and textures that come together in this delightful dish. The tenderness of the chicken, the freshness of the toppings, and the warmth of the tortillas create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining friends, these tacos are a surefire way to please a crowd. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a scrumptious taco night!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe