If you’re anything like me, you love a good meal that practically cooks itself! That’s where this healthy chicken crock pot meals recipe comes in. It’s all about convenience, flavor, and nutrition—what more could you ask for? With just a few ingredients tossed into your crock pot, you can have a delicious, hearty dish simmering away while you go about your day. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of chicken and veggies, all cooked to tender perfection. Plus, this meal is not just easy to prepare, it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free option for busy weeknights. I love how versatile it is, too! You can easily adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand. So, let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds of chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
- 1 cup of chopped carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of chopped celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Healthy Chicken Crock Pot Meals
Alright, let’s get your crock pot ready for some deliciousness! This process is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end. Here’s how I do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab your trusty crock pot and place it on a stable surface. Then, take those two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and lay them right at the bottom. It’s all about that base, right?
- Next, pour in one cup of low-sodium chicken broth. This will keep everything moist and flavorful. You can hear it bubbling already, can’t you?
- Now it’s time to add some color and crunch! Toss in one cup of diced tomatoes—fresh or canned, your choice! Follow that with a cup of chopped carrots and a cup of chopped celery. These veggies not only add nutrients but also make the dish pop.
- Sprinkle on one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil. These spices will infuse your chicken with amazing flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts if you like it a bit more garlicky or herby!
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a pinch and adjust later after it’s cooked.
- Now, cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I love the low setting because it gives the chicken time to soak up all those yummy flavors.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid—watch out for that steam! Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the pot. It’ll be so tender, it’ll practically fall apart.
- Give everything a good stir to mix the shredded chicken with those delicious veggies and broth. And there you have it—a wholesome meal that’s ready to be served!
And there’s my secret to avoiding common pitfalls: always taste before serving! If it feels like it needs a bit more seasoning, just sprinkle in a touch more salt or pepper. Enjoy every bite of your healthy chicken crock pot meal!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this healthy chicken crock pot meal packs a nutritious punch while keeping things light. You’re looking at approximately 280 calories, with just 6 grams of fat—so no guilt here! Plus, you get a solid 35 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The carbs come in at around 20 grams, and there’s a nice boost of fiber with 3 grams to aid digestion. Remember, these figures are estimates based on typical values, but they give you a great idea of how wholesome this dish really is. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a total time-saver—just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work!
- Packed with lean protein and veggies, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family.
- Flavorful and satisfying, with tender chicken infused with delicious herbs and spices.
- Perfect for meal prep; leftovers are a dream for busy lunches or dinners.
- Customizable! You can switch up the veggies or spices based on what you love.
- Low in calories but high in taste—who doesn’t love that?
Tips for Success
To make sure your healthy chicken crock pot meal turns out perfectly, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, always use fresh ingredients when you can; they really elevate the flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, toss some in for an extra burst of taste! Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go and adjust to your preference. If you want a bit more kick, a dash of red pepper flakes can do wonders! And remember, every crock pot is a little different, so keep an eye on cooking times the first time you make this. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about this healthy chicken crock pot meal is how easy it is to customize! If you’re not a fan of carrots or celery, feel free to swap them out for your favorite veggies—zucchini, bell peppers, or even green beans work beautifully. Want to spice things up? Try adding a tablespoon of taco seasoning for a fun twist, or mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a burst of flavor. You can also change up the broth—try using vegetable broth for a lighter option or even coconut milk for a creamy texture. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk leftovers! If you have any of this delicious healthy chicken crock pot meal left, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you seal it up—this helps prevent any moisture buildup. When it’s time to reheat, you can either pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this scrumptious healthy chicken crock pot meal ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! I absolutely love pairing it with fluffy whole grain rice or quinoa to soak up all that flavorful broth. It adds a nice texture and makes the meal feel even more filling. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the chicken beautifully. You could also serve it with some crusty whole grain bread for dipping—trust me, you won’t want to miss a drop of that sauce! Enjoy!
For more healthy dinner ideas, check out dinner ideas with chicken. You can also explore the nutritional benefits of chicken here. Enjoy your cooking!
Print
7 Comforting Healthy Chicken Crock Pot Meals for Guilt-Free Dinners
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A simple and nutritious chicken dish made in a crock pot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whole grain rice or quinoa.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the vegetables based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: healthy chicken crock pot meals
