Irresistible Whole30 Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos: A Healthy and Flavorful Recipe
Perfectly seasoned chicken is slow cooked, then made crispy in the oven for easy, flavorful Whole30 Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos – a meal prep dream come true!
Whole30 Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos: A Delectable & Diet-Friendly Dish
Are you searching for a meal that effortlessly combines mouthwatering flavor with strict Whole30 compliance? Look no further! These Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos are not just delicious; they offer a fantastic way to enjoy one of your favorite dishes while adhering to your health goals. And if you haven’t yet experienced the vibrant flavors of our Creamy Tomatillo Avocado Salsa, then this recipe provides the perfect excuse to whip up a batch!
While these Whole30 Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos are truly exceptional on their own, a dollop of spicy and creamy salsa transforms them into an elevated culinary experience. The rich, tender chicken coupled with a bright, fresh salsa creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight your palate.
Tacos hold a special place in my heart as one of the most versatile and beloved dishes, and not just one specific type either. That’s the true beauty of this iconic Mexican meal; the possibilities for fillings, toppings, and preparations are absolutely endless, each promising a delightful culinary adventure. From succulent slow-cooked meats to vibrant vegetarian options, tacos can be customized to suit any preference or dietary requirement, making them a consistently good choice for any meal.
In Mexico, traditional tacos are often served on soft, warm corn tortillas, generously filled with a meticulously prepared, flavorful meat, and then adorned with a fresh, zesty salsa. These elements combine to create a simple yet profoundly satisfying dish.
Our Whole30 Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos, while honoring the spirit of traditional tacos, gracefully deviate a bit from the classic presentation. To ensure Whole30 compliance, I’ve chosen to serve the perfectly seasoned and crisped chicken on crisp lettuce leaves. This isn’t just a healthy alternative; it adds a refreshing crunch that beautifully complements the tender chicken. However, this serving method is entirely optional. When developing this recipe, I also tested the chicken on warm corn tortillas, and the results were equally fantastic. In fact, if I’m being completely honest, the corn tortillas might have edged out the lettuce slightly for me, given my enduring obsession with all things tortilla-related! Ultimately, the choice of how you serve these delectable tacos is entirely up to you, but I am confident that you will thoroughly enjoy them, no matter your preference.
How to Make Flavorful Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos
Creating these incredibly flavorful and crispy chicken tacos is a straightforward process, broken down into two main stages: slow cooking for maximum tenderness and broiling for that irresistible crispy texture. Here’s a detailed look at each step to ensure your tacos are perfect every time.
Slow Cooking for Tender Perfection
The journey to tender, flavorful chicken begins in your slow cooker. For this recipe, you’ll need 1 ½ to 2 pounds of boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I often recommend chicken thighs for slow cooking as they tend to stay juicier and more forgiving, but breasts work beautifully too, especially when shredded.
Next, let’s talk spices – the heart and soul of this dish. In a separate bowl, meticulously mix together a blend of adobo, salt, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and chili powder. This combination creates a robust, earthy, and slightly spicy profile that perfectly complements the chicken. A crucial note for those on a Whole30 program: always double-check the ingredients of your adobo seasoning to ensure it is compliant. If it contains any non-compliant ingredients (like sugar or MSG), either opt for a Whole30-approved brand or simply omit it and increase the other spices to taste.
Once your spice blend is ready, add the fresh juice of three limes and 1 ½ cups of water or chicken broth to it. The lime juice not only adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich spices but also helps tenderize the chicken. The broth or water ensures there’s enough liquid for the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. Pour this aromatic mixture directly over the chicken in your slow cooker.
Gently stir everything together, making sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the spices. This step is key for an even flavor distribution throughout the meat. Finally, thinly slice or finely chop one jalapeño and scatter it on top of the chicken. The jalapeño will infuse the chicken with a subtle heat and a fresh, peppery aroma as it cooks. For a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and membranes; for more heat, leave them in.
Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 4 hours. This low and slow method is crucial for breaking down the chicken fibers, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender and effortlessly easy to shred with just two forks. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delicious preview of what’s to come!
Broiling for Irresistible Crispiness
Once your chicken has reached peak tenderness in the slow cooker, it’s time for the magic step that transforms it into crispy taco filling. Turn your oven to the broil setting. While the oven preheats, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. You’ll find it’s so tender that it practically falls apart; two forks are all you need to easily shred it into perfect bite-sized pieces. If you want to make the process even quicker, a handy meat shredder can be a real time-saver!
Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then spray it generously with nonstick spray or a drizzle of olive oil. Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures that every piece has maximum contact with the heat, promoting even crisping.
Now, here’s a crucial tip for maintaining flavor and moisture: pour about ¼ cup of the delicious liquid accumulated in the slow cooker directly over the chicken on the baking sheet. This flavorful liquid will not only keep the chicken moist but also intensify its taste as it crisps.
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven under the broiler. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers can work quickly! Let it broil for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken just begins to get those coveted crispy edges and a beautiful golden-brown color. Broiling is a fast process, so staying vigilant prevents burning. The goal is crispy, not charred.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. To ensure even crispiness and to re-moisturize slightly, pour another ¼ cup of the slow cooker liquid over the chicken and give it a quick toss. This helps distribute the flavor and prepares it for a final crisping. Return the baking sheet to the broiler for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is wonderfully crispy and golden. This second broil guarantees a fantastic texture that truly sets these tacos apart.
Serving Suggestions & Whole30 Toppings
With your perfectly tender and crispy chicken ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos! As mentioned earlier, for a delicious and Whole30 compliant version, you can serve the shredded chicken on crisp lettuce leaves. Alternatively, if you’re not on Whole30 or are enjoying a reintroduction phase, warm corn tortillas are an equally fantastic choice. Other Whole30 compliant options include jicama wraps or bell pepper halves for a sturdy, edible vessel.
The beauty of tacos lies in their toppings, and these crispy chicken tacos are no exception. They are absolutely fantastic when crowned with a simple and healthy pico de gallo, offering a burst of fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño. For a richer, creamier experience, our creamy tomatillo avocado salsa is an outstanding pairing. I often use both when I’m craving an extra layer of heat and complex flavors, and the combination is always incredibly satisfying!
Beyond salsas, there’s a world of Whole30 compliant toppings to explore. Consider adding sliced avocado or a generous dollop of homemade guacamole for healthy fats and a creamy texture. Fresh cilantro, finely diced red onion, or thinly sliced radishes can add a refreshing bite and vibrant color. For a tangy element, try fermented vegetables like sauerkraut or kimchi, ensuring they are Whole30 compliant and free of added sugars. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is always a welcome addition, brightens all the flavors, and is crucial for authentic Mexican taste. Don’t forget a drizzle of compliant hot sauce if you love an extra kick!
For those not following Whole30, feel free to indulge in classic taco toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or crema, or even pickled red onions for a sweet and tangy contrast. Pair these tacos with a side of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or a simple Mexican-inspired salad to round out your meal.
And there you have it: Whole30 Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos, an easy-to-prepare, incredibly healthy, and unbelievably flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or to satisfy your most intense taco cravings. This recipe is also fantastic for meal prepping; simply store the crispy chicken separately and assemble your tacos fresh when ready to eat!
I genuinely hope you enjoy these fantastic crispy chicken tacos as much as I do. They are a testament to how flavorful and satisfying healthy eating can be!
Please leave me a comment below if you make this recipe or tag me on Instagram @everydaylatina. Your feedback and photos brighten my day!
Recipe
Whole30 Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon adobo (see notes for Whole30 compliance)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 limes
- 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 jalapeño
Instructions
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Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to your slow cooker.
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In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix together the adobo (ensuring it’s Whole30 compliant, see notes), salt, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and chili powder.
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To this spice mixture, add the freshly squeezed juice of 3 limes and 1 ½ cups of water or chicken broth. Pour this flavorful liquid mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
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Stir everything together well, ensuring that the chicken pieces are fully coated with the aromatic spices and liquid.
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Finely chop the jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) and add it on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
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Cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is exceptionally tender and can be easily shredded. Once the chicken is cooked, turn your oven to the broil setting.
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Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and, using two forks (or a meat shredder), shred it into desired pieces.
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray or olive oil. Spread the shredded chicken onto the baking sheet in a single, even layer.
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Pour approximately ¼ cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the chicken on the baking sheet.
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Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, carefully watching until the chicken starts to crisp and turn golden brown. Remove from the oven, pour another ¼ cup of liquid over the chicken, and toss quickly to coat.
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Return the baking sheet to the broiler for another 3-5 minutes, continuing to watch closely, until the chicken is perfectly crispy and golden.
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Serve your crispy shredded chicken immediately on warm corn tortillas or crisp lettuce leaves for a Whole30 compliant version. Top with fresh pico de gallo or a creamy tomatillo avocado salsa, along with your other favorite Whole30 toppings.
Notes
*The chicken crisps up best when broiled right before serving. To prevent it from drying out, only place it under the broiler when you are ready to assemble and enjoy your tacos.
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