Who doesn't love a good, slow-cooked meal? Especially when it's as flavorful and scrumptious as these chicken and black bean tacos! Making use of classic Mexican flavors like chili, cumin, and cilantro, these tacos are as authentic as they come. What's more, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, leaving you free to enjoy your day. Whether you're serving these up for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive taco night with friends, they're sure to be a hit!
Photos of Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos Recipe
The ingredients required for this recipe are typically found in most homes, but if you're not a regular cook of Mexican cuisine, there might be a few you'll need to pick up. Make sure to check your pantry for chili powder and cumin, which are key to getting that authentic, south-of-the-border flavor. Also, don't forget to pick up a can of tomatoes with mild green chiles. If you can't find them, you can substitute with regular canned tomatoes and a small can of diced green chiles. As for the corn taco shells, you can find them in the international aisle of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
Chicken tenders: These are lean and cook quickly in the slow cooker, making them perfect for this recipe.
Black beans: A staple in Mexican cuisine, they add a hearty, earthy flavor and are a great source of protein.
Tomatoes with mild green chiles: Adds a bit of a kick without being too spicy.
Chili powder and ground cumin: These spices are key for that authentic Mexican flavor.
Garlic powder and oregano: Used to season the chicken, they add an extra layer of flavor.
Scallion and cilantro: These fresh ingredients are used as garnish, adding a bright, fresh flavor to the finished dish.
Red cabbage: Used in the slaw, it adds a nice crunch and a pop of color.
Red wine vinegar: Used in the slaw, it adds a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich chicken and beans.
Corn taco shells: The vehicle for all the delicious ingredients. They add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
One reader, Edlin Rosa says:
This slow cooker chicken and black bean tacos recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the chicken turns out so tender. It's a super convenient way to make a delicious and healthy meal. I love how easy it is to prepare, and the whole family enjoys it. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
How to season the chicken: Season the chicken with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, oregano, ⅛ teaspoon of the chili powder, and ⅛ teaspoon cumin.
How to cook the chicken and beans in the slow cooker: Add the beans and tomatoes to the crockpot and season with the remaining chili powder and cumin. Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot and cook on high for 2 hours.
How to make the slaw: Combine shredded cabbage with red wine vinegar, and season with salt to taste. Set aside.
How to shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
How to assemble the tacos: Warm the taco shells according to package directions. Fill each shell with an equal amount of the bean and chicken mixture, then top with the prepared slaw and any other desired toppings.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos
These chicken and black bean tacos can be easily thrown together in a slow cooker until all the flavors develop. Serve with cabbage slaw for an easy dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozchicken tenders,or breast, raw skinless
- 15ozlow sodium black beans,(1 can), drained and rinsed
- 10oztomatoes with mild green chiles,(1 can)
- 1⅛tspchili powder
- ¾tspground cumin,plus ⅛ tsp
- ¼tspgarlic powder
- ¼tsporegano
- 1medium scallion,diced
- 1tbspcilantro,chopped, optional
For Slaw:
- 1⅓cupsred cabbage,shredded
- 1tspred wine vinegar,or lime juice
- salt and black pepper,to taste
For Taco:
- 12corn taco shells,(crispy shells)
For Optional Toppings:
- pico de gallo
- 1medium haas avocado,sliced
Instructions
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Season chicken with pinch of salt, garlic powder, oregano, ⅛ teaspoon of the chili powder and ⅛ teaspoon cumin.
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Add the beans and tomatoes to the crock pot and season with the remaining chili powder and cumin.
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Place chicken in the crock pot and cover. Cook on High for 2 hours.
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Meanwhile, combine shredded cabbage with vinegar (add more to taste), season with salt to taste; set aside.
-
Remove chicken from the crock pot and shred with two forks.
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Drain beans and transfer to a platter, or back to the crock pot to keep warm. Top with shredded chicken, scallions and cilantro.
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To serve, warm the taco shells according to package directions.
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Fill with equal amounts of bean and chicken mixture. Top with cabbage and other favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Calories: 628.56kcal
- Fat: 29.81g
- Saturated Fat: 6.69g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.17g
- Carbohydrates: 69.49g
- Fiber: 16.62g
- Sugar: 6.38g
- Protein: 24.63g
- Cholesterol: 34.87mg
- Sodium: 902.45mg
- Calcium: 139.14mg
- Potassium: 1206.78mg
- Iron: 5.56mg
- Vitamin A: 76.92µg
- Vitamin C: 198.17mg
Helpful Technique for Enhancing Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
When shredding the chicken, it's best to do it while it's still warm as it's easier to pull apart. Using two forks, hold the chicken steady with one fork and use the other to pull shreds of chicken off. Shredding the chicken not only makes it easier to eat in a taco, but also allows it to absorb more flavors from the beans and spices.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cooked beans: Utilize canned black beans to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe.
Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on washing up.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the slaw and taco toppings to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Double batch: Make a larger quantity and freeze the extra for a quick and convenient meal in the future.
Kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen tools like a food processor for quick and efficient chopping of vegetables.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos Recipe
chicken tenders - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender when slow-cooked, and they won't dry out as easily as chicken tenders.
low sodium black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a similar texture and flavor profile to black beans, making them a suitable alternative in this recipe.
tomatoes with mild green chiles - Substitute with diced tomatoes and a small amount of diced green chiles: This substitution allows for better control over the spiciness level and ensures the dish isn't too overpowering for those sensitive to heat.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika and a pinch of cayenne: Paprika provides a mild, smoky flavor, and a touch of cayenne adds heat, replicating the essence of chili powder.
ground cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander offers a similar earthy and warm flavor, complementing the other spices in the recipe.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a slightly floral and earthy flavor, which can complement the other ingredients in the recipe.
scallion - Substitute with chopped red onion: Red onion provides a similar mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch, serving as a suitable replacement for scallions.
cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous element without the distinctive taste of cilantro for those who may not enjoy its flavor.
red cabbage - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage can be used as a substitute for red cabbage, offering a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly sweet and fruity tang, which can replace the acidity and flavor profile of red wine vinegar.
corn taco shells - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used as an alternative to corn taco shells, offering a softer texture and a neutral flavor that complements the filling.
pico de gallo - Substitute with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro with a squeeze of lime: This homemade alternative provides a similar fresh and zesty flavor to pico de gallo.
haas avocado - Substitute with ripe regular avocado: Regular avocados can be used in place of Haas avocados, offering a creamy and buttery texture for topping the tacos.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, pay attention to the arrangement of the taco components. Ensure that the beans and shredded chicken are neatly placed, and the taco shells are positioned with precision.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce a pop of color to the plate by garnishing with fresh cilantro and scallions. The addition of these vibrant greens will enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Focus on texture: Create a contrast in textures by ensuring the taco shells are crispy and the shredded cabbage adds a satisfying crunch. This attention to texture will elevate the overall dining experience.
Emphasize balance: Strive for a harmonious balance of flavors and ingredients in each taco. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty cabbage should be carefully balanced to create a memorable culinary experience.
Highlight precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Precision in plating demonstrates attention to detail and elevates the overall presentation of the dish.
Embrace simplicity: While presenting the dish, embrace the beauty of simplicity. Let the natural colors and textures of the ingredients shine through, creating an elegant and refined presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to stand out. This mindful use of space will draw attention to the artful arrangement of the tacos.
Consider the vessel: Choose an elegant serving vessel that complements the dish. Whether it's a sleek platter or a rustic wooden board, the vessel should enhance the visual appeal of the tacos.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Tacos
- Crock pot: A slow cooker used for cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period of time.
- Forks: Utensils with two or more prongs used for picking up and eating food.
- Platter: A large, shallow dish used for serving food.
- Taco shells: Pre-formed crispy corn shells used for filling with taco ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients together.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Knife: A tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used for measuring small amounts of ingredients.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening cans.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
- Let the chicken and black bean taco filling cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Store the cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled filling to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze the filling for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
- When ready to use the frozen filling, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed filling in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little water or chicken broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Store leftover red cabbage slaw separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- For best results, assemble the tacos with the reheated filling and fresh toppings just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor of the components.
How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the corn taco shells in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they are warm and crispy. This will help to restore their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy when reheated with the filling.
In a large skillet or pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the leftover shredded chicken and black beans to the pan and stir gently to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and any excess moisture has evaporated.
If the mixture seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten it. You can also add a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or other spices to taste, to help revive the flavors.
While the chicken and bean mixture is reheating, prepare your toppings. Shred some fresh red cabbage and toss it with a little red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to make a quick slaw. Slice some fresh scallions and cilantro for garnish.
Once the chicken and bean mixture is heated through, remove the warm taco shells from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Fill each shell with a generous spoonful of the chicken and bean mixture, then top with the red cabbage slaw, scallions, and cilantro.
If desired, you can also add other toppings like pico de gallo, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve the tacos immediately while they are still warm and crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken and bean mixture in the microwave. Place the mixture in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through. Then, proceed with filling the warm taco shells and adding your desired toppings.
Interesting Trivia About Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
The slow cooker chicken and black bean tacos recipe is a delicious and healthy option for a family meal. It's a great way to incorporate lean protein and fiber-rich black beans into your diet. This recipe is also versatile, allowing for various toppings and additions to suit individual tastes. Additionally, using a slow cooker makes the cooking process convenient and hassle-free, perfect for busy weeknights. With the combination of flavors and textures, these tacos are sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and savoring this delightful dish!
Is Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker chicken and black bean tacos recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of chicken tenders and black beans provides a good source of protein at a reasonable cost. Additionally, the versatility of the dish allows for customization based on available ingredients, reducing potential waste. Overall, this recipe is a solid 8 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a pocket-friendly meal choice.
Are Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Tacos Healthy?
This slow cooker chicken and black bean tacos recipe is a healthier option compared to traditional tacos. The use of chicken tenders, low sodium black beans, and tomatoes with mild green chiles provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables. The seasoning mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives. The inclusion of red cabbage slaw provides additional nutrients and a satisfying crunch.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use whole grain or corn tortillas instead of traditional corn taco shells to increase the fiber content and reduce the amount of processed ingredients
- Opt for Greek yogurt or a light sour cream as a topping instead of high-fat options like regular sour cream or cheese
- Include additional vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or onions, to the slow cooker mixture to boost the nutrient content
- Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken breast, to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
- Limit the amount of high-fat toppings, such as avocado, or use them in moderation to keep the calorie and fat content in check
By making these small adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional value of the dish while still enjoying the convenience and flavor of a slow cooker meal. The recipe provides a solid foundation for a healthy and satisfying meal, and with a few tweaks, it can become an even more nutritious option for you and your family to enjoy.
Editor's Opinion on These Delicious Tacos
This slow cooker chicken and black bean tacos recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of tender chicken, savory black beans, and zesty tomatoes with green chiles creates a rich and satisfying filling for the tacos. The addition of a tangy red cabbage slaw adds a refreshing crunch, while the optional toppings like pico de gallo and creamy avocado provide a customizable element to the dish. The simplicity of the slow cooker method makes this recipe convenient and perfect for busy days. Overall, it's a delicious and well-balanced dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of chicken and black beans, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. The use of low sodium black beans and tomatoes with mild green chiles ensures a healthy and balanced dish. The addition of chili powder and cumin infuses the dish with a rich and aromatic flavor. The inclusion of red cabbage slaw adds a refreshing crunch, while the optional toppings such as pico de gallo and haas avocado provide a customizable touch. This recipe promises a delightful and wholesome dining experience.
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