Let me tell you, there’s something magical about throwing everything into a crockpot and letting it do the work for you! I absolutely love *chicken crockpot recipes healthy* because they’re not only a breeze to prepare, but they also pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. Picture this: tender chicken simmering in a medley of fresh veggies and savory spices, all coming together to create a comforting meal that the whole family will adore. Plus, you can just set it and forget it! It’s perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome dinner waiting for you at home. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re serving up something healthy and delicious!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up a delightful and healthy chicken dish in your crockpot:
- 2 pounds of chicken breast – boneless and skinless, trimmed of any excess fat for a leaner option
- 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth – this keeps it flavorful without all the salt
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes – use fresh or canned, whichever you have on hand!
- 1 cup of chopped carrots – for that sweet crunch, chop them into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of chopped celery – adds a lovely texture and flavor
- 1 onion, chopped – yellow or white, just don’t skip it!
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme – a must for that herby goodness
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil – it complements the chicken beautifully
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy, season to your liking!
How to Prepare Chicken Crockpot Recipes Healthy
Getting this dish ready is a total breeze, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is! The beauty of a crockpot is in its simplicity. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, place your 2 pounds of chicken breast right in the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t worry about cutting it up; it’ll shred beautifully once it’s cooked!
- Next, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. This will keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Now, add those vibrant veggies! Toss in 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 chopped onion. Oh, the colors!
- Don’t forget the garlic! Add in 2 cloves of minced garlic for that aromatic kick we all love.
- Season it up! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried basil, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and decide your cooking time: cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s that simple!
- When it’s done, shred the chicken with two forks right in the pot, mix it all together, and serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the magic while you relax or tackle other tasks.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, it’s a wholesome meal the whole family will enjoy.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of herbs and fresh ingredients creates a delicious depth of flavor that’s hard to resist!
- Meal Prep Friendly: It’s great for leftovers—perfect for lunch the next day or freezing for another busy night.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies or spices based on what you have or your family’s preferences!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delicious chicken crockpot recipe is estimated to contain about 250 calories, 5g of fat, and 30g of protein, making it a wonderfully healthy choice! It also has approximately 15g of carbohydrates and 3g of sugar. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh veggies—they add so much more flavor and nutrition!
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure your crockpot isn’t too full; it needs space to cook evenly.
- Check Seasoning: Always taste before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate.
- Shred While Hot: Shredding the chicken right after cooking makes it easier and allows it to soak up all those delicious juices.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try different herbs or spices based on what you love—this recipe is super flexible!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this scrumptious chicken crockpot recipe is super simple! Just let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it should last for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. It’s just as delicious the second time around!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot? Absolutely! You can throw frozen chicken breast straight into the crockpot. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer to cook through. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety!
How can I add more flavor to my chicken crockpot recipes healthy? Oh, there are so many ways! Try adding a splash of lemon juice, a tablespoon of soy sauce, or even a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend. Fresh herbs added towards the end can also brighten up the flavor!
What can I serve with this dish? This chicken goes wonderfully with brown rice, quinoa, or even a leafy green salad. You can also enjoy it in wraps or on top of whole grain tortillas for a tasty meal!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and just pop them in the crockpot in the morning. It’s a fantastic meal prep option!
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping? Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and can be frozen, making it a perfect choice for healthy meal prep throughout the week.
Print
Chicken Crockpot Recipes Healthy: 5 Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A healthy chicken recipe cooked in a crockpot. This dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Season with thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with brown rice or quinoa.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, crockpot, recipes, healthy
