Healthy Tender Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos (Print Version)

Whip up Healthy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos! Juicy chicken, fresh toppings, and minimal effort make this a delicious, family-friendly meal any night.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (if no cheese/sour cream)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Chicken & Base

01 - Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs)
02 - 1 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium)
03 - 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

04 - 1 Yellow Onion, finely chopped
05 - 4 cloves Garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp Chili Powder
07 - 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
08 - 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
09 - 1 tsp Dried Oregano

→ Fresh Toppings & Accents

10 - 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
11 - 1/4 Red Onion, finely diced
12 - 1 large Avocado, sliced or diced
13 - Optional: Cotija cheese or plain Greek yogurt

→ Taco Essentials

14 - 12-18 Corn Tortillas
15 - Your favorite Salsa
16 - Optional: Hot sauce or jalapeños

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab those chicken breasts and give them a quick pat dry. Then, finely chop your yellow onion and mince your garlic. Honestly, this is the most hands-on part of making these Healthy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos, so get it done and then you can relax. I usually just toss them right into the bottom of my slow cooker – no need to sauté, which is a total win for weeknight ease.
02 - Next, place your chicken breasts right on top of the onion and garlic. Now for the flavor magic! Sprinkle generous amounts of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the chicken. Don't be shy! I sometimes even give the chicken a little rub with the spices just to make sure they're really coated. This is where the amazing smells start to happen, trust me.
03 - Pour the chicken broth and fresh lime juice into the slow cooker. Make sure the liquid mostly covers the chicken; if it doesn't quite, add a splash more broth. This ensures the chicken stays super moist and absorbs all those delicious flavors. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low if I'm leaving it all day; high if I'm in a bit of a rush.
04 - Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be fall-apart tender. This is my favorite part! Carefully remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board, or even better, just use two forks right in the slow cooker pot to shred them. Shredding it directly in the pot allows the chicken to soak up all that incredible cooking liquid, making it extra juicy and flavorful. Don't drain the liquid; that's liquid gold!
05 - Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the flavorful cooking liquid. Let it sit on the 'Warm' setting for another 15-20 minutes, or just a quick simmer on low if your slow cooker doesn't have a warm function. This step is crucial because it allows the chicken to really absorb all that incredible sauce, intensifying the flavor of your Healthy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos. It smells incredible at this point!
06 - While the chicken is soaking up all that goodness, get your toppings ready! Chop your fresh cilantro, dice your red onion, and slice your avocado. Warm your corn tortillas – I like to do this directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side, or in a dry skillet until pliable. Pile that juicy shredded chicken into warm tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and a dollop of salsa. The best part is seeing everyone customize their own perfect taco!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning; it helps the spices adhere better and creates a richer flavor.
02 - Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, reheating gently on the stovetop.
03 - Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer, more tender result if you prefer.
04 - Warm your corn tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet for the best pliable texture and a hint of char.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
02 - Cutting board
03 - Sharp knife
04 - Two forks (for shredding)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 15-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-35g
Protein: 30-40g

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