Cook Tacos Using Slow Cooker Chicken
Healthy Slow-Cooked Poblano Chicken Tacos
Got tired of boring, dry chicken breasts? Spice things up with this flavor-packed recipe! Poblano peppers, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar are the secret ingredients to getting juicy, mouth-watering chicken without resorting to fatty additions.
This poblano chicken tacos recipe is simple enough for beginners yet bursting with the robust flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine. No more bland, flavorless chicken dinners! Serve these juicy shredded chicken breasts in warmed tortillas, accompanied by Tomatillo Guacamole Salsa and your favorite taco toppings.
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 5 poblano peppers, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 6 medium-sized garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 habanero pepper, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 3.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 6 large breasts)
- 2 large yellow onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1.5 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and salsa
Instructions:
- Preheat your slow cooker by turning it on. Place the poblanos, garlic, and habanero (if using) inside.
- Lay half of the chicken breasts over the garlic and chiles. Sprinkle with half of the chopped onion. Add the remaining chicken on top and finish with the rest of the onion.
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, salt, orange juice, and vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cook the chicken on high for up to 4 hours, starting to check after 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and can easily be shredded.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly. Transfer the chicken to a serving bowl and let your guests build their own tacos at the table.
- For a quicker alternative, try our Fish Tacos recipe or our Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Enjoy!
Want to know more?- Poblanos are mild peppers that add a rich, slightly sweet flavor to this dish. If you prefer milder peppers, use only half or substitute with green bell peppers.- The orange juice and apple cider vinegar provide a tangy, citrusy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. Adjust the amounts to taste.- Cumin enhances the smoky depth of the dish. Feel free to experiment with other spices like chili powder or smoked paprika.- Adding a habanero (if desired) will ramp up the heat, but the habanero can be omitted for a milder dish.
- The main ingredient for these healthy chicken tacos is 3.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are cooked along with 5 poblano peppers cut into strips and 2 large yellow onions.
- This recipe includes a suggestion for toppings, such as sliced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and salsa, to be served with the slow-cooked poblano chicken strips.
- The chicken is marinated with a mixture of ground cumin, kosher salt, freshly squeezed orange juice, and apple cider vinegar before being cooked in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours.
