Overhead image of chicken tacos - healthy chicken crockpot recipe — Makes: *6 Servings*
Per Serving: *30g Protein | 350Cal*

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You can never have too many healthy crockpot chicken recipes. This healthy dinner is packed with protein and flavor and comes together with minimal effort on your part. Ideal for busy professionals or someone cooking for the whole family, this easy chicken recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. These High-Protein Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal. This easy recipe combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the sweet touch of honey, for a final result that's as nutritious as it is tasty. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Chicken Filling:

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
3 chipotle peppers (from can with adobo sauce)
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from can of peppers in adobo sauce)
3 tablespoons agave or honey
½ cup corn
½ cup black beans
½ cup shredded light Mexican blend cheese
Tortillas (I love the carb-savvy version from Trader Joe’s, but any tortilla will do - or keep it low carb and wrap your chicken in lettuce.)

Optional Toppings:

Avocado (Use ⅛ of an avocado for each taco for creamy goodness.)
Pickled red onions
Cilantro
Lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken thighs into your slow cooker (if you have an Instant Pot or other multi-cooker, it should have a slow cook feature!). Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika over the chicken. Add in the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Drizzle the honey or agave on top

Step 2: Slow Cook

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 3-4 hours (the internal temperature for chicken should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked through). This low-and-slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Shred and Add Veggies

At the 3-hour mark, it's time to shred the chicken. You can use two forks or a mixer to make quick work of this task. Once shredded, stir in the corn, black beans, and shredded cheese. Let everything cook together for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Build Your Tacos

Now comes the fun part—assembling your tacos! Spoon the flavorful, tender chicken mixture onto your tortillas. Top with your favorite taco toppings. Mine include avocado, pickled red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Dig in and enjoy these flavorful, high-protein tacos that are sure to become a staple in your healthy chicken crockpot recipe collection.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Nutritious: The best part about this recipe? These tacos are packed with protein from the chicken and black beans, making them a satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized.
Easy and Convenient: Using a slow cooker means minimal effort with maximum flavor. Just set it and forget it until it's time to shred the chicken and add the veggies.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add some fresh salsa, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this chicken filling and use it throughout the week for salads, burritos, or even on top of rice or quinoa for a healthy bowl.

healthy chicken crockpot recipe graphic with a photo of chicken tacos

FAQs: Making Taco Filling in a Slow Cooker

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor in slow cooking, you can also use chicken breasts. Chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can become dry if overcooked, so you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Yes! One of the great advantages of using a slow cooker is its ability to prepare meals ahead of time. Make a batch on the weekend and you’ll have a great option ready for the whole week.
To prevent the chicken from drying out, ensure there's enough liquid in the slow cooker. The combination of adobo sauce, honey, and natural juices from the chicken thighs should suffice. Avoid opening the lid frequently during cooking, as this can release steam and affect the cooking process.
Yes, you can freeze leftover taco filling for future meals. Let the filling cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
If you prefer a milder or spicier taco filling, adjust the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce accordingly. Start with less if you're sensitive to heat and add more gradually until you reach your desired spice level.
Leftover taco filling is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a topping for salads, stuff it into burritos or quesadillas, or serve it over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a quick and delicious bowl.
It depends on the size and capacity of your slow cooker. Ensure there's enough space for ingredients to cook evenly and for the slow cooker to reach and maintain a safe cooking temperature. Doubling the ingredients may require longer cooking times, so plan accordingly.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

To store your Honey Chipotle Chicken filling, let it cool to room temperature first. Transfer the chicken mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the filling on the stovetop until warmed through.

Freezing

If you want to make a larger batch to freeze for later, this recipe is freezer-friendly! Once the chicken filling has cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the mixture overnight in the fridge and then heat on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it!

Tips for Reheating

When reheating, you might find the chicken mixture has thickened. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and restore its saucy consistency. Heat it slowly to avoid drying out the chicken.

Benefits of Using a Crockpot

Using a slow cooker isn't just convenient—it can transform the way you cook, especially for busy individuals or families. Here are some key benefits:

1. Time-Saving Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is its set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Simply prep your ingredients, place them in the slow cooker, set the timer, and go about your day. Whether you're at work or running errands, you can return home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

2. Enhanced Flavor Development

Slow cooking allows flavors to meld together over hours of gentle heat. This results in richer, more developed flavors compared to traditional cooking methods. It's perfect for dishes like stews, soups, and braised meats, where slow simmering enhances taste and tenderness.

3. Tenderizes Tough Cuts of Meat

Tough cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs or beef chuck roast, benefit greatly from slow cooking. The low temperature and long cooking time break down collagen and connective tissues, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth textures.

4. Economical and Energy Efficient

Slow cookers use low wattage and provide even heat distribution, making them energy-efficient appliances. They also make the most of cheaper cuts of meat, transforming them into succulent dishes without compromising on taste.

5. Healthier Cooking Option

Slow cooking typically requires less added fat when compared to other traditional cooking methods.

6. Versatility in Cooking

From hearty meals like stews and chilis to tender meats and even desserts, slow cookers offer versatility in what you can prepare. They're adaptable to a wide range of recipes, making them a valuable tool in any kitchen.

7. Ideal for Meal Prep

Whether you're cooking for one or a family, slow cookers are perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. Prepare larger quantities of food and store leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

8. Safe and Easy to Clean

Slow cookers are designed with safety features such as automatic temperature controls and timers, reducing the risk of overcooking or burning food. They're also easy to clean, with removable, dishwasher-safe inserts for hassle-free cleaning.

This easy crockpot chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthy crockpot recipe that's both delicious and easy to make. It's a delicious dish to add to your roster of what to make for dinner on busy weeknights. Whether you've selected it because it's quick and easy or you're just someone who just loves a good taco (and a healthy meal), this dish is sure to satisfy and become a favorite of the whole family.