chicken crockpot recipes healthy
Nothing beats the comfort of a healthy meal simmered all day in a crockpot. This Lemon-Herb Chicken and Veggie Delight is a wholesome tribute to ease and flavor. In this dish, boneless chicken breasts or thighs become succulent with a tantalizing medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty touch of lemon. The vibrant colors of the carrots, potatoes, and freshly chopped parsley create a feast for the eyes while the fragrant broth lovingly enchants your kitchen.
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I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a rainy Sunday, and I craved something fulfilling yet easy. As the aromas filled my home, my family wandered into the kitchen, their interest piqued. It’s hard to resist a meal that not only nourishes but also warms your heart like a gentle squeeze. This healthy chicken crockpot recipe works wonders on busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep time means you’ll have more time for the things you love.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon and dried herbs creates a deliciously bright flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful veggies and chicken make for an impressive dinner presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy gathering with friends.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this a great option for lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: This lean protein is the star of the dish. Breasts are leaner, while thighs offer richer flavor.
- 2 fresh lemons: One sliced for the crockpot and one for juice. Fresh lemons provide acidity that brightens the dish.
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary): These herbs infuse the chicken with warm, aromatic notes. Feel free to use your favorite herbs instead.
- 1 lb baby or chopped Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped: Sweet, tender carrots soften in the broth and pair nicely with the lemon.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Onion adds depth and sweetness; I recommend yellow onion for its balanced flavor.
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic essence; don’t skimp on this.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth helps control the dish’s saltiness while still enhancing flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and helps the herbs stick to the chicken.
- 1 tsp salt or to taste: Salt enhances the overall flavor and brings out the best in your ingredients.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste: A hint of black pepper adds warmth and complexity to the dish.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh burst of flavor right before serving.
How to Make chicken crockpot recipes healthy
Pat the Chicken Dry: Start by patting the 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken sear better and allows the flavors to penetrate.
Layer the Vegetables: Arrange the chopped 1 medium onion, 1 lb of peeled and chopped carrots, and 1 lb of baby or chopped Yukon gold potatoes evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. This ensures even cooking and gives the dish a fantastic foundation.
Position the Chicken: Next, place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the crockpot. This allows the juices from the chicken to seep down and flavor the veggies, creating a delicious harmony.
Whisk the Broth Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves), 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of dried mixed herbs (a mix of oregano, thyme, and rosemary), 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper until well combined. This aromatic broth will keep everything moist and flavorful.
Pour Over Ingredients: Pour the prepared broth mixture over the chicken and vegetable layers in the crockpot. This will create a wonderful cooking environment for the chicken and veggies, ensuring they are packed with flavor.
Add Lemon Slices: Layer the slices of 1 fresh lemon on top of the chicken. The lemons will infuse the dish with their bright, zesty flavor as it cooks, creating a refreshing contrast to the hearty ingredients.
Cook It Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This extended cooking time really melds the flavors beautifully, ensuring everything is well-seasoned.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the lemon slices and either shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or on a cutting board. Shredding it back into the pot allows the chicken to absorb the flavorful broth.
Stir & Serve: Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot, making sure everything is well mixed. Take a moment to enjoy the aromatic blend wafting from your crockpot!
Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, sprinkle 2 tbsp of fresh, chopped parsley and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top. This little touch enhances the freshness in every bite.
Storing & Reheating
To store your delicious Lemon-Herb Chicken and Veggie Delight, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it can last about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s heated through. You may find that the texture shifts slightly, but refreshing it with a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors again.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be tender but not falling apart. Monitor the time closely.
- For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the broth mixture overnight before slow cooking.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil before adding to the crockpot to enhance their flavors even further.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can omit the broth and allow the chicken’s juices to create the sauce instead.
- Experiment with seasonal veggies; bell peppers or zucchini could be amazing additions or substitutes.
This healthy chicken crockpot recipe stands out for its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. With tender chicken and an array of colorful veggies, it perfectly satisfies hunger while nourishing your body. Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients, trying out different herbs or adding your favorite vegetables. Cooking is just as much about joy as it is about nourishment, allowing you to share love with friends and family through every delicious bite. I hope this dish becomes a staple in your home, creating memories around the table that linger long after the meal is gone.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs; just be sure to cook it on HIGH for about 4-5 hours, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remember, cooking from frozen may alter the texture slightly, but it still turns out delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the crockpot. A dash of hot sauce could also be mixed into the broth before pouring it over the chicken and vegetables for a delightful kick.
What should I serve with this recipe?
This dish shines on its own, but for a complete meal, consider serving it with warm crusty bread, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad. The citrusy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as you might need a bit more time to ensure everything is properly cooked. Enjoy!
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📖 Recipe Card
chicken crockpot recipes healthy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 375 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Healthy
Description
This chicken crockpot recipe features tender, juicy chicken infused with lemon and herbs, paired with hearty veggies. A simple, healthy dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 fresh lemons one sliced for crockpot, one for juice
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 lb baby or chopped yukon gold potatoes
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic, minced cloves
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the prepared broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Place lemon slices on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the lemon slices, then shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or on a cutting board before returning it to the pot.
- Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the broth mixture for a few hours before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
