Slow Cooker Curried Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema
Serves 8.
Serves 8.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 2 star anise
- 1/2 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 large red pepper thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tsp ground tumeric
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 15-ounce (425g) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tbs coriander seeds ground
- 2 tsp fresh ginger chopped
- 3 chiles de arbol roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken stock
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro (tiny handful)
- 5 tbs low-fat yogurt
- 1 1/2 tbs lemon juice (i used meyer lemons)
- 1 bunch of collard greens (preferably with at least 8 lea
- 1/2 small head of red cabbage thinly sliced
- Carbohydrate 57.0209033857022 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 32.4912775686258 g
- Fiber 22.9624729648226 g
- Protein 11.3201410193594 g
- Saturated Fat 4.6608727600764 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1510g)
- Sodium 66.6913236539631 mg
- Sugar 34.0584304208796 g
- Trans Fat 2.74406872444051 g
- Calories 517 calories
Step-by-step
- PREPARE THE CHICKEN: In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with the diced tomatoes, spices, and onions together, leaving out the star anise and chicken stock. Pour all the contents into a slow cooker. Add in the chicken stock and star anise. Set the slow cooker on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- PREPARE THE CREMA: When the chicken is about done, start making the crema. Blend all the crema ingredients in a food processor until everything is smooth. If sauce is a bit thick, add another tablespoon of yogurt.
- PREPARE THE WRAPS: Rinse the collard greens with water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off the tough stems.
- When the chicken breasts are cooked, shred them with a fork. Assemble the tacos by adding some chicken, red pepper, and red cabbage inside a collard green leaf. Top with some avocado crema.
- Store any leftover avocado crema in an airtight container. It should last for another 5 days. Remember to give it a quick stir before serving it again.
Slow Cooker Curried Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. But I've discovered a secret weapon that's transformed my weeknight dinners: the slow cooker. This incredible appliance allows me to create flavorful and nutritious meals with minimal hands-on time, leaving me with more energy to focus on the things that truly matter.
Tonight's dinner is a testament to the slow cooker's magic: Slow Cooker Curried Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema. These tacos are bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and creamy. The slow-cooked chicken is incredibly tender and infused with the warm spices of curry, while the homemade avocado crema adds a cool, refreshing counterpoint. And the best part? The entire meal comes together with remarkably little effort. The slow cooker does most of the work while I'm attending to other responsibilities, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.
Why this recipe is a lifesaver:
- Minimal Prep Time: The prep work for this recipe takes less than 20 minutes, leaving you with plenty of time for other tasks. Simply toss the chicken and spices in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, freeing you from hovering over the stove. You can get on with other things, knowing that a delicious dinner is waiting for you.
- Healthy and Flavorful: These tacos are a healthy option packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the avocado. The curry spices add a depth of flavor that's both satisfying and exciting.
- Adaptable and Versatile: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili powder. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, add other spices like garam masala or turmeric.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for meal prepping for the week. You can easily store the leftover chicken and crema separately, making quick and easy lunches throughout the week.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its ease but also in its versatility. I often use different types of greens to make these tacos, depending on what I have on hand. Spinach or kale work just as well as collard greens, offering a slight variation in texture and flavor. And don't hesitate to experiment with different toppings. Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add another layer of flavor and texture.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple it can be to create a delicious and satisfying dinner, even amidst the chaos of a busy life. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my household, a reliable source of comfort and flavor that always leaves my family feeling happy and full. So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option that’s both delicious and satisfying, look no further than these slow cooker curried chicken tacos. Trust me, they're a game-changer.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, adjusting it to suit the tastes of my family and the ingredients I have on hand. The slow cooker is such a forgiving appliance – you really can’t go wrong. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you can experiment with different combinations of spices and vegetables to create your own unique version. And don't be afraid to get creative with the toppings! The possibilities are endless. The best part is the feeling of accomplishment and pride in knowing you've created a delicious, healthy meal from scratch, without sacrificing precious time from your already full day.
