Effortless & Delicious: Your Go-To Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Are you searching for a dinner that’s both incredibly easy and wonderfully healthy? Look no further! This healthy chicken crockpot recipe is the answer to busy weeknights. Throw a few simple ingredients into your crockpot in the morning, and come home to a tender, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants a delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
- Super Easy: Just dump the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work!
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and easily customizable to fit your dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the tender chicken and flavorful sauce.
- Meal Prep Champion: Makes a large batch perfect for lunches and dinners throughout the week.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, quinoa, or enjoy it as is!
Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth (if you want extra sauce)
Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use chicken tenderloins for a more delicate texture.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Combine the Remaining Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Add Broth (Optional): If you prefer a saucier dish, add the chicken broth now. This will increase the amount of liquid in the crockpot.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Mix & Serve: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Add Beans: Include a can of drained and rinsed beans (like black beans or kidney beans) for added fiber and protein.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
This healthy chicken crockpot recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve over rice or quinoa.
- Make delicious tacos or burritos with your favorite toppings.
- Toss with pasta for a quick and easy dinner.
- Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Enjoy as a hearty soup with a side of crusty bread. Serve with a side of garlic bread to sop up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover healthy chicken crockpot recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the crockpot on low until heated through.
FAQ about Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken. Add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and cook in a larger crockpot. This is a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
A: Yes and No. While the base of this recipe *is* keto friendly because chicken is naturally keto. You may have to omit or reduce the amount of tomato to ensure it adheres to the keto diet since tomatoes are high in natural sugars. The best way to make sure this is keto, substitute the sauce for a keto friendly alternative with all the same spices or simply google ‘keto friendly crockpot recipe.’
Q: Can I make this into a healthy crockpot soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! Simply add 4-6 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth to the crockpot along with the other ingredients. Serve as a hearty and flavorful soup.
Final Thoughts on Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
This healthy chicken crockpot recipe is a weeknight winner! It’s so simple to make and incredibly delicious. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do! Be sure to save this recipe to Pinterest for later and leave a comment below letting me know what you think. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more easy and delicious recipes!
Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
Tomato Base
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Spices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Optional
- 0.25 cup chicken broth (if you want extra sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Combine the Remaining Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Add Broth (Optional): If you prefer a saucier dish, add the chicken broth now. This will increase the amount of liquid in the crockpot.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Mix & Serve: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!
