My original plan for dinner was to make my family’s favorite chicken burritos, but on a whim, I decided to turn the filling mixture into a quick and easy version of taco salad. It turned out great and I’m sure I’ll do it again.
I’ve always used beef for a taco salad in the past and this was a tasty change.
Chicken and Bean Taco Salad – In The Crockpot
Servings: 5 -6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 16-24 oz Salsa
- 1.5 cups cooked pinto beans or 1 can, Ranch beans would be delicious here too
- Romaine lettuce chopped
- Baby carrots slivered lengthwise
- Cucumbers halved lengthwise, seeded and chopped (yes, I am that particular about my cukes)
- Tomatoes chopped
- White corn tortilla chips
- Ranch dressing optional
- Cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour about a cup of salsa over it. Cook on high (approx 3-4 hours) until you can shred the chicken easily with tongs or a couple of forks. Frozen chicken works fine for this, just watch the cooking time as it will take longer to cook.
- Once the chicken is soft enough to shred, shred it in the crockpot. It should absorb the juices and salsa from the crockpot. Add another cup or so of salsa and continue shredding tossing the mixture until that is almost completely absorbed. I usually add the salsa a bit at a time until the chicken stops absorbing it. I rarely measure the amount.
- Add the beans, and toss with the chicken. Layer the chips, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots on plates and then top with the chicken and bean mixture. Add additional salsa (or ranch dressing) if desired. Top with shredded cheese. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!
The Blonde Duck says
When can I come over? 🙂
My Journey With Candida says
This would be GREAT to make for a party, especally since it is done in the crock pot. I swear I use my crock pot at least 2 times a week, sometimes more.
Jenn says
I keep seeing recipes for crock pot cooking… I need to get mine out as soon as we get into our new house.. right now it's in a box somewhere! lol This recipes sounds delicious!!
Becki's Whole Life says
Mmmm..love this. Whenever we have tacos I make mine into a salad. I really like the chicken/bean mixture though – very healthy!
Sue/the view from great island says
I'm plugging in the crockpot…
Chris says
Great use for leftover chicken, which we always seem to have.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I just pulled my crock pot out again and hope to make something soon. Another great recipe Mary – you must have a very happy family! Have a terrific weekend.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
ok, you've convinced me I need to get a crockpot!
Mary x
Marjie says
Easy. That's the main thing, isn't it? I always make my tacos into a salad anyway; it's a great DIY meal.
Words Of Deliciousness says
This sounds wonderful. I like chicken when making taco and making it in a crock pot sounds like it would easy and flavorful.
Tracy Wood says
Where would we be without our crock pots? I love the addition of beans! Have any of you tried French type dressing on your taco salads? That's what I grew up using, so that's we still do in my house.
Mary says
Tracy – I've never tried a French dressing as an adult. I remember a thousand island style dressing as a child, but maybe it was actually French?
Anna says
Mmm, I love taco salad and I love my crockpot, I'll have to try this!
Jane @ Devoted Sonriser says
This was so easy to make, and my husband loved it. We think it's just as good or better than going to a Mexican restaurant to get nachos. 🙂 It's definitely cheaper.