Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken (Set It & Forget It!)
Tired of complicated dinners? Craving something healthy and delicious that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Just throw a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker, and hours later you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready to shred and enjoy. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and a fantastic way to get a healthy meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken
- Super Easy: Minimal prep time – literally dump and go!
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and easily customizable to fit your dietary needs.
- Versatile: Perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, or served over rice.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the tender, flavorful chicken.
- Budget-Friendly: Using inexpensive ingredients makes this a meal your wallet will appreciate.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you focus on other things.
Ingredients for Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a richer flavor)
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped onion or minced garlic for added flavor
Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful result. You can also use a whole chicken, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: For a healthier option, use a homemade cream of chicken soup or substitute with plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little chicken broth and seasonings.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Use a homemade ranch seasoning blend to control the ingredients.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute.
How to Make Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bottom of the crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth until smooth. Add the optional chopped onion or minced garlic if desired.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking chicken in the crockpot can make it dry and tough. Check for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes for a complete meal. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
- Keto: Use a sugar-free ranch dressing mix and replace the cream of chicken soup with heavy cream or cream cheese for a keto-friendly version.
- Lemon Herb: Omit the ranch dressing mix and substitute with lemon slices, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Tacos or Burritos: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos or burritos, topped with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Salads: Add the shredded chicken to a green salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
- Rice or Quinoa Bowls: Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Sandwiches: Make delicious chicken salad sandwiches with the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and onion.
- Crockpot soup recipes Use it as the base for chicken soup; adding broth and vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little chicken broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
- Crockpot: Reheat the chicken in the crockpot on low for 1-2 hours.
FAQ about Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for best results, you *can* cook frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding. For food safety, it’s always preferred to thaw chicken first.
Q: Can I make this with chicken thighs? Will that work for all chicken crockpot recipes?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often result in a more flavorful and tender dish because of their higher fat content. In most chicken crockpot recipes, you can easily substitute chicken breasts with thighs. Cooking times remain similar.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: As written, it’s not strictly keto-friendly due to the cream of chicken soup and ranch dressing mix. However, you can easily make it keto by using a sugar-free ranch dressing mix and replacing the cream of chicken soup with heavy cream or cream cheese and some chicken broth. Many keto crockpot recipes incorporate these substitutions.
Q: How can I make this a vegetarian crockpot recipe?
A: To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with white beans. You could include a broth of vegetable with various vegetablesto change the texture and flavor of the recipe.
Final Thoughts on Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken
This Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken is a lifesaver for busy weeknights and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion! Whether you’re serving it in tacos, salads, or over rice, you’re sure to love the convenience and flavor of this simple recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
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Easy Healthy Crockpot Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a richer flavor)
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion or minced garlic optional for added flavor
Instructions
- Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray to help prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth until smooth. Add the optional chopped onion or minced garlic if desired.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
