Zesty Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Transform your lunch into a flavorful fiesta with these Zesty Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos! This delightful dish combines tender, shredded chicken bathed in a tangy cilantro lime sauce with zesty salsa and a hint of taco seasoning. Perfectly suited for those following a high-protein, low-carb, and low-calorie diet, these tacos are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Simply set your slow cooker and let the flavors meld together for an irresistible meal that you can customize with your favorite toppings. Enjoy them in warm whole wheat tortillas with fresh toppings and indulge without the guilt!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 lbs (none)
restaurant style salsa
16 ounces (none)
McCormick low-sodium taco seasoning
1 ounce (1 packet)
lime
1 (juiced)
fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
fat free whole wheat tortillas
6 (none)
lettuce
to taste (shredded or chopped)
onion
to taste (sliced or diced)
bell pepper
to taste (sliced or diced)
black olives
to taste (sliced)
low-fat sour cream
to taste (none)
taco sauce
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the restaurant-style salsa, low-sodium taco seasoning, lime juice, and chopped fresh cilantro, mixing well.
2
Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated with sauce.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
4
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to mix with the remaining sauce.
6
To serve, fill a fat-free whole wheat tortilla with the shredded chicken and top with your choice of lettuce, onion, bell pepper, black olives, low-fat sour cream, and taco sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How long should I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours until tender.
What type of salsa is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe recommends using 16 ounces of restaurant-style salsa.
Is this chicken taco recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is tagged as low-carb, especially if the chicken is enjoyed without the tortilla or with a low-carb alternative.
How much taco seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for one 1-ounce packet of McCormick low-sodium taco seasoning.
How do I prepare the cilantro for this dish?
You should use 3 tablespoons of fresh cilantro that has been chopped.
What should I do with the chicken once it finishes cooking?
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and then return it to the sauce.
What kind of tortillas are suggested for serving?
The recipe suggests using fat-free whole wheat tortillas.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, this is categorized as a high-protein meal because of the large amount of chicken breast used.
What fresh toppings can I add to these tacos?
Recommended toppings include shredded lettuce, diced onions, bell peppers, and sliced black olives.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime?
The recipe calls for 1 juiced lime, but bottled juice can be used as a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
Is there a specific way to prepare the bell peppers and onions?
The recipe suggests they be either sliced or diced to your preference.
Is this recipe good for meal prep or lunch?
Yes, it is tagged for lunch and described as a flavorful fiesta that can transform your midday meal.
What creamy topping is suggested to keep the recipe healthy?
The recipe recommends using low-fat sour cream to taste.
How much lime juice goes into the slow cooker?
The juice from one whole lime is mixed into the slow cooker at the beginning.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No water is needed; the moisture comes from the 16 ounces of salsa and the lime juice.
What makes these tacos 'zesty'?
The combination of tangy lime juice, fresh cilantro, salsa, and taco seasoning provides the zesty flavor profile.
Is the chicken shredded before or after cooking?
The chicken is cooked whole and then shredded once it is tender enough to pull apart with forks.
Can I add extra spice to this recipe?
Yes, you can add taco sauce to taste as a topping for extra heat.
How many tortillas come with the standard ingredient list?
The ingredient list specifies 6 fat-free whole wheat tortillas.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, by using skinless chicken breasts, fat-free tortillas, and low-fat sour cream, the fat content is kept low.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
While the recipe specifies boneless skinless breasts, it is best to thaw them first for even cooking in a slow cooker.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the chicken is added raw to the mixture of salsa and seasonings in the slow cooker.
How should the black olives be prepared?
The black olives should be sliced to taste before being used as a topping.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and cilantro in the slow cooker and mix well.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features low-sodium, low-fat, and high-protein ingredients.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of wheat?
While the recipe specifies whole wheat, you can customize the dish with your favorite toppings and shells.
Should the cilantro be added at the beginning or the end?
The chopped fresh cilantro is added to the slow cooker at the very beginning of the process.
How do I ensure the chicken is fully coated?
The instructions advise adding the chicken to the salsa mixture and ensuring they are fully submerged or coated with sauce.
What type of taco seasoning is recommended for heart health?
The recipe specifically lists McCormick low-sodium taco seasoning to help manage sodium intake.