Slow Cooker Black Bean and Chicken Tacos
Skinnytaste Servings: 4 • Size: 3 tacos Calories: 313 • Fat: 8 g • Carb: 41 g • Fiber: 8 g • Protein: 22 g • Sugar: 4 g Sodium: 716 mg (without added salt)
Skinnytaste Servings: 4 • Size: 3 tacos Calories: 313 • Fat: 8 g • Carb: 41 g • Fiber: 8 g • Protein: 22 g • Sugar: 4 g Sodium: 716 mg (without added salt)
- pico de gallo
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 12 oz raw skinless chicken tenders or breast
- 15 oz can low sodium black beans drained and rinsed (goya)
- 10 oz can tomatoes with mild green chiles (i used rotel)
- 1 1/8 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp plus 1/8th tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
- for the slaw:
- 1 1/3 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 medium scallion diced
- for the taco:
- 12 crisp corn taco shells
- optional toppings: (not calculated)
- 1 medium haas avocado sliced (+ add 2 pts per serving)
- Carbohydrate 29.783644 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.9889915 g
- Fiber 7.88041511567831 g
- Protein 7.2959385 g
- Saturated Fat 0.183534625 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (808g)
- Sodium 7387.472 mg
- Sugar 21.9032288843217 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 130 calories
Step-by-step
- Season chicken with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, oregano, 1/8 tsp of chili powder, and 1/8 tsp cumin.
- Add the beans and tomatoes to the crock pot and season with the remaining chili powder and cumin. Place chicken in the crock pot and cover.
- Cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, combine shredded cabbage with vinegar (add more to taste), and season with salt to taste; set aside.
- Remove chicken from the crock pot and shred with two forks. Drain beans and transfer to a platter, or back to the crock pot to keep warm.
- Top with shredded chicken, scallions, and cilantro.
- To serve, warm the taco shells according to package directions. Fill with equal amounts of bean and chicken mixture. Top with cabbage and your favorite toppings.
My Simple Weeknight Taco Fiesta: A Slow Cooker Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a never-ending uphill battle. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the constant scramble to get dinner on the table before everyone melts down. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for effortless, flavorful meals that don't require hours of slaving over a hot stove. This Slow Cooker Black Bean and Chicken Taco recipe is a perfect example; it’s a lifesaver on those busy evenings when I need a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I love how the slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while I attend to other tasks. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the black beans soak up all the delicious spices, creating a rich and satisfying filling. I usually prepare the slaw while the chicken is cooking, which adds a refreshing crunch and a vibrant pop of color to the tacos. The slaw is super simple, a mixture of shredded cabbage, vinegar, and a pinch of salt, but it makes a huge difference in the overall taste of the tacos.
What I also appreciate is the versatility of this recipe. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste, adding more or less chili powder depending on your preferred level of heat. And the toppings are endless! I often add a dollop of guacamole (which does add extra points, but oh-so-worth-it!), some shredded cheese, or a spoonful of salsa. The kids love to get creative with their toppings and customize their tacos exactly how they like them. This is a great way to get them involved in the meal prep process and make dinner time a little more fun.
Beyond the convenience and delicious taste, this recipe is also a healthy option. Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, it's a satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized without weighing you down. It's a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. And while I mentioned the points value earlier in the recipe, which is something I track using my preferred health app, I want to emphasize that this isn't just about calorie counting or weight management. It's about making mindful food choices to fuel my body and my family's bodies with nutritious and tasty meals that don't require a lot of effort.
This Slow Cooker Black Bean and Chicken Taco recipe is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of efficiency, healthy eating, and family time. It's a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. So next time you're short on time but craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
I encourage you to experiment with different toppings and spice levels to find your perfect combination. And remember, the best part about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your own preferences and dietary needs. So, get cooking, and enjoy your delicious and hassle-free taco night!
