Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos

This easy taco recipe requires no pre-cooking, just throw it all in the crock pot and you'll have a delicious weeknight meal. Black beans and chicken breast, simmered in the slow cooker make the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even a burrito bowl and it's loaded with fiber.

Personally, I love this served in crunchy corn taco shells. I make a quick red cabbage slaw which adds a little acidity and crunch, and it's a healthier option than iceberg. Add some spicy pico de gallo for freshness and avocados, and I am one happy gal! So good you won't even miss the cheese!

I often make my own pico de gallo, but when I'm pressed for time, I have no problem buying it. There are lots of great options in the refrigerated produce section of the supermarket, Nature's Promise is usually my go-to, is organic and has just the right amount of kick.

Avocado is so good on tacos, and loaded with heart healthy fats. It's creamy and delicious and I totally skip the sour cream, but if you rather save on calories and leave it out, fat free Greek yogurt works fine in it's place.

As for my slow cooker, believe it or not, I've had many bad experiences with crock pots cooking to hot and turning out strange tasting food... until I bought my current Slow Cooker, the Hamilton Beach Set and Forget 6 Quart Slow Cooker. Love it and I've been using it for over a year with great results every time! As part of my week of Target giveaways, I wanted to give away the same exact one, but couldn't find the same exact model. I did find one very similar, without the probe (which I never used anyway) so today on Skinny Bits, if you want to take a chance at winning this wonderful prize, click HERE and leave a comment on Skinny Bits for a chance to win. (Please do not leave your comments here on Skinnytaste, they wont count.)


Slow Cooker Black Bean and Chicken Tacos
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 4 • Size: 3 tacos • Old Points: 6 pts • Points+: 8 pt (10 w avocado)
Calories: 313 • Fat: 8 g • Carb: 41 g • Fiber: 8 g • Protein: 22 g • Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 716 mg (without added salt)


Ingredients:

• 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
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp oregano 
• 1 medium scallion, diced
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Slaw:

• 1 1/3 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar (or lime juice)
• salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Taco:

• 12 crisp corn taco shells

Optional toppings: (not calculated)

• pico de gallo
• 1 medium haas avocado, sliced (+ add 2 pts per serving)

Directions:

Season chicken with pinch of salt, garlic powder, oregano, 1/8 tsp of the chili powder and 1/8th 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 2 hours.

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. 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.