chicken crockpot recipes healthy
There’s something magical about a warm, comforting dish that practically takes care of itself while you go about your day. This Lemon-Herb Chicken and Veggie Delight is just that, embodying the beauty of slow cooking in a crockpot. With tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, every bite brims with flavor. The vibrant veggies, like golden potatoes and sweet carrots, soak up the delicious juices, transforming into a delightful mix of color and taste. As the hours pass, the tantalizing aromas fill your home, promising a meal that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also wholesome and nourishing.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this satisfying dish during a busy week when I craved a healthy, hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With its simple prep and the magic of a crockpot, it became a staple in my home. The recipe effortlessly marries convenience with nutrition, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or when entertaining friends. Plus, it’s simple enough for novice cooks yet special enough to impress! Grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up this tasty, healthy chicken crockpot recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious meal cooking while you tackle other tasks.
- Irresistible Flavor: The bright citrus notes from the lemons combined with mixed herbs create an explosion of flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the veggies not only taste great but look stunning on your table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, potluck gatherings, or weekday lunches.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, this dish can easily fit into various dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken thighs remain juicy during cooking, but breasts are great if you prefer leaner meat.
- 2 fresh lemons: One for slicing into the crockpot and one for juicing. The fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary): For an aromatic punch, feel free to adjust or mix up the herbs based on your favorites.
- 1 lb baby or chopped Yukon gold potatoes: These creamy potatoes hold their structure well and add comfort to every bite.
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped: Sweet and colorful, carrots add both nutrition and natural sweetness to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Onions bring depth of flavor and fragrance to the mix.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides an essential aromatic component that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: A good broth keeps the dish moist without adding too much salt.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together.
- 1 tsp salt or to taste: Enhances the flavors overall; adjust based on dietary needs.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste: For a little kick, feel free to adjust based on heat preference.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Fresh herbs light up the presentation and offer a fresh aroma.
How to Make chicken crockpot recipes healthy
Pat the Chicken Dry: Start by patting the 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the chicken can sear up beautifully, even in the slow cooker.
Layer the Veggies: In the bottom of the crockpot, arrange the chopped 1 medium onion, 1 lb of carrots, and 1 lb of baby or chopped Yukon gold potatoes. This creates a flavorful foundation for your meal.
Add the Chicken: Place the prepared chicken on top of the vegetable bed. The chicken will sit above the veggies, allowing the juices to drip down and enhance their flavor.
Combine the Broth Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 3-4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp of dried mixed herbs, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. This mix is the heart of the dish, providing moisture and flavor as it cooks.
Pour Over Chicken and Veggies: Carefully pour the broth mixture over the chicken and veggies in the crockpot. Make sure to cover everything so that the flavors meld beautifully together.
Top with Lemon Slices: Arrange lemon slices from one fresh lemon on top of the chicken. This will allow the citrus to permeate the dish during cooking, creating a refreshing flavor.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is finished when it’s tender and cooked through, easily shredding with a fork.
Prepare the Chicken: Once done, remove the lemon slices from the crockpot. You can shred the chicken directly in the pot or on a cutting board as you prefer, then return it back into the pot.
Mix to Combine: Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot, so that the juices are evenly distributed throughout.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with 2 tbsp of fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added zesty touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to two hours, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and veggies in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, about 5-10 minutes. Do note that textures might slightly change; adding a splash of chicken broth during reheating can help refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure chicken is completely dry before cooking—this helps with browning and flavor.
- When chopping veggies, ensure they are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking.
- If you prefer, swap out the veggies for others like sweet potatoes or green beans for variety.
- This dish can be made ahead of time, just reheat before serving for a quick family meal.
Slow cooking is a beautiful way to blend flavors and create comforting meals with minimal effort. This dish not only fills your belly but also nourishes your spirit with its warmth and zest. As you play with this recipe, feel free to substitute different veggies or herbs. The heart of cooking lies in experimentation, so enjoy the process and make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time when using frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you want to substitute chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even water mixed with a bit of salt and herbs for a lighter version.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To convert this to an Instant Pot recipe, use the sauté function to brown the veggies and chicken briefly, then add the remaining ingredients and use the pressure cooker setting for about 15 minutes followed by a natural release.
How do I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when mixing the broth. That will provide a delightful kick to complement the lemon and herbs!
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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: 101|Main Dishes
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Healthy American
Description
This chicken crockpot recipe offers a delightful mix of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty lemon for effortless, healthy meals. Perfect for busy days!
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 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
For extra flavor, use fresh herbs if available.
Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
