Healthy Chicken Crockpot Meal: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner!
Are you searching for a dinner solution that’s both incredibly easy and deliciously healthy? Look no further! This healthy chicken crockpot meal is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a flavorful, tender, and satisfying meal. It’s a family-friendly favorite that even picky eaters will love. Say goodbye to mealtime stress and hello to a nutritious dinner with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Crockpot Meal
- Effortless Cooking: Just dump, set, and forget! This is a true “set it and forget it” recipe.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the vegetables and seasonings to your liking.
- Family-Friendly: A recipe that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy healthy lunches all week.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pot meal means less time washing dishes!
Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Crockpot Meal
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes work well)
Substitutions:
- For a keto crockpot recipe, omit the potatoes and add more non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
- Use turkey breast instead of chicken for a leaner protein source.
- Add a bay leaf for extra flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!
How to Make Healthy Chicken Crockpot Meal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. If using potatoes, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chopped vegetables in the bottom of your crockpot recipes slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Place the chicken breasts (or chicken thighs) on top of the vegetables. Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
- Enjoy! Serve hot and enjoy your healthy chicken crockpot meal!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check the chicken after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno for a spicy version of this chicken crockpot dish.
- Vegan Variation: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a delicious vegetarian crockpot recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot dinner recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for extra vegetables.
- Enjoy as a hearty soup with a side of crusty bread.
- Make into tacos or wraps by serving in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Allow the healthy chicken crockpot meal to cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Refrigerator: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For quickest results, use the microwave or stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent drying.
FAQ about Healthy Chicken Crockpot Meal
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: While it’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken, you *can* use frozen chicken breasts in your crockpot chicken breast recipes. However, it will increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. This is a great way to customize your healthy crockpot recipes to your liking.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
A: This recipe can easily be adapted for a keto crockpot recipe by omitting the potatoes and increasing the amount of non-starchy vegetables. Be sure to check the nutritional information of all ingredients to ensure they fit within your daily carb limits.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs! Chicken thighs are often juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, which could make your chicken thigh recipes crockpot even better. The cooking time will be about the same.
Q: Can I make this a dump-and-go recipe?
A: Yes, this is a perfect crockpot dump recipes! Simply dump all the ingredients into the crockpot without pre-cooking or browning anything. It’s the ultimate in convenience and still results in a delicious and healthy meal.
Final Thoughts on Healthy Chicken Crockpot Meal
This healthy chicken crockpot meal is a simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile option for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen!
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later and leave a comment below to let us know what you think. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more easy and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Healthy Chicken Crockpot Meal
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup chopped potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes, optional) Optional
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. If using potatoes, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chopped vegetables in the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Place the chicken breasts (or chicken thighs) on top of the vegetables. Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
- Enjoy! Serve hot and enjoy your healthy chicken crockpot meal!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check the chicken after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno for a spicy version of this chicken crockpot dish.
- Vegan Variation: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a delicious vegetarian crockpot recipe.
- Allow the healthy chicken crockpot meal to cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- Refrigerator: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For quickest results, use the microwave or stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent drying.
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