Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat
Highlighted under: MinuteMeal Magic
Enjoy the flavors of Mexico with this easy and delicious Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or a hearty salad!
This Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights. Simply throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty taco seasoning
- Versatile dish perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads
- Minimal prep time with maximum flavor and convenience
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you're hosting a taco bar for friends or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. The slow-cooking method ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a hit with both adults and kids alike. Plus, it allows you to enjoy more time with your guests or family while the meal cooks itself.
This dish is not only delicious but also highly adaptable. You can easily customize the toppings and sides to cater to everyone's preferences. From fresh avocado to zesty lime and spicy jalapeños, the options are endless. This versatility means you can serve it in various ways, making it suitable for any event, whether it's a festive celebration or a cozy family dinner.
Healthy and Nutritious
One of the standout features of this recipe is its health-conscious approach to traditional taco meat. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of ground beef, you significantly reduce the fat content while still delivering a satisfying and filling meal. The addition of black beans and corn not only adds texture but also boosts the fiber and nutrient content, making this dish a wholesome choice for your family.
Moreover, the ingredients are simple and clean, allowing you to control what goes into your meal. This is perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can also easily make this dish gluten-free by ensuring that your taco seasoning is free of gluten, making it inclusive for all dietary needs.
Easy Meal Prep and Storage
One of the best aspects of this Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat is how easy it is to prepare and store. You can make a large batch at once, which is great for meal prep. Portion the cooked taco meat into individual containers, and you have ready-to-eat meals for the week. Just reheat and serve with your favorite toppings for a quick lunch or dinner.
Additionally, this dish freezes exceptionally well. If you find yourself with leftovers, simply place the shredded chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat. This makes it a fantastic option for busy days when cooking from scratch isn't feasible.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Taco Meat
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Add chicken broth, black beans, corn, salsa, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and onion powder on top.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred and Serve
Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.
Enjoy
Serve warm in taco shells, burritos, or over salads.
Feel free to customize toppings as desired!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat, the possibilities are endless. You can easily fill taco shells, burritos, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Top with your favorite ingredients like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or fresh cilantro to elevate the flavor. Don't forget to serve with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for an authentic taco night experience.
For a healthier twist, consider using quinoa or brown rice as a base instead of traditional tortillas. This adds a nutritious element to your meal while maintaining the Mexican flair that everyone loves. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of greens for a refreshing salad option that is both filling and light.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat turns out perfectly every time, be sure to use high-quality chicken breasts. Fresh, organic chicken will yield the best flavor and texture. Additionally, don’t skip the seasoning; it's what gives this dish its vibrant taste. Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference, and consider adding extra ingredients like diced jalapeños for a kick.
If you're short on time, you can also use frozen chicken breasts in the crock pot. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they thaw and cook thoroughly. This makes it easy to whip up a delicious meal even when you're not fully prepared. Just remember to always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to extend the cooking time by an hour.
→ What can I serve this with?
This chicken taco meat is great in tacos, burritos, or on top of salads and nachos.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and cook it in the morning.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat
Enjoy the flavors of Mexico with this easy and delicious Crock Pot Chicken Taco Meat. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or a hearty salad!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: MinuteMeal Magic
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Taco Meat
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Add chicken broth, black beans, corn, salsa, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and onion powder on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.
Serve warm in taco shells, burritos, or over salads.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g