Description
A fast, healthy, and high-protein slow cooker meal that requires minimal prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a savory taco seasoning profile.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 16 ounces jar of medium salsa
- 4 ounces can diced green chiles
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix of cumin, chili powder, and paprika)
- 1 can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 fresh lime, juiced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Diced bell peppers or onions
- Optional: Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Optional: Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized chunks if desired.
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker insert.
- Pour the salsa over the chicken and add the diced green chiles. Add any fresh vegetables like onions or peppers now.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the top and stir gently to coat the chicken.
- Add the drained beans on top without stirring too much to avoid breaking up the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the pot.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and cilantro. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Serve immediately over rice, in tortillas, or with desired toppings.
Notes
[‘Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts during long cook times. If using breasts, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.’, ‘Use fresh lime juice for better flavor; bottled juice can taste metallic.’, ‘Flavors improve after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, making it great for meal prep.’, ‘Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.’, ‘Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave, stirring in between.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (Low) or 2 to 3 hours (High)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 40
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, taco chicken, healthy dinner, high protein, meal prep, easy recipes, weeknight dinner, gluten-free