chicken crockpot recipes healthy
When it comes to healthy weeknight dinners, Lemon-Herb Chicken and Veggie Delight is a shining star that will brighten your family table. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken infused with citrusy zest and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Cooked slowly in a crockpot, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal that feels special while being incredibly easy to prepare. Honestly, what could be better than coming home to the tantalizing aroma of dinner, ready and waiting for you?
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The sheer simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to for busy days. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, and after a few hours, you’ll be rewarded with a wholesome, flavorful meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, this dish is bound to please. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s get started—you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep in just 15 minutes, then let the crockpot do its magic for 6-8 hours.
- Irresistible Flavor: Bright and zesty, with aromatic herbs that fill your kitchen with delightful fragrances.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful veggies make this dish as pretty as it is delicious.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even as leftovers for lunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally low-calorie and can be gluten-free; you can easily swap ingredients for dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for a richer flavor, or go with breasts for a lighter touch.
- 2 fresh lemons: One sliced for the crockpot and one for juicing, adding brightness that cuts through the savory elements.
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary gives a lovely aromatic base.
- 1 lb baby or chopped Yukon Gold potatoes: These creamy potatoes provide heartiness and soak up the delicious juices.
- 1 lb carrots: Peeled and chopped, they add sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 medium onion: Chopped onion deepens the flavor profile, making it irresistible.
- 3-4 cloves garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the dish with a wonderful, fragrant warmth.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor without excess sodium.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A healthy fat that helps distribute flavors throughout the dish.
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust to taste, but it’s essential for bringing out the flavors.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper: For that subtle kick.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped and used as a bright garnish just before serving.
How to Make chicken crockpot recipes healthy
Pat Chicken Dry: Start by patting the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a great sear if you choose to brown them later, but it’s not necessary for the slow-cooked version.
Layer Vegetables: Arrange the chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. This helps to create a flavorful bed for the chicken while ensuring even cooking.
Add Chicken: Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Layering ensures that the chicken absorbs all the aromatic flavors from the herbs and broth.
Mix Broth Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 3-4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp dried mixed herbs, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. This broth mixture is the heart of the recipe, providing moisture and flavor.
Pour Over Chicken: Pour the prepared broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, making sure everything is well-coated.
Add Lemon Slices: Lay the lemon slices on top of the chicken. As it cooks, the lemon will infuse the dish with its bright flavor.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, while the vegetables become tender and flavorful.
Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lemon slices. You can either shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks or transfer it to a cutting board first. This adds to the hand-crafted feel of the dish.
Stir Together: Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot, redistributing the flavors and making sure every bite is as good as the last.
Garnish: Before serving, garnish with 2 tbsp of fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This step brightens the dish and adds a fresh pop of color.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the lemon-herb chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Note that the texture of the veggies may soften during storage, so refreshing the dish with a splash of lemon juice upon serving can really elevate the flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to pat your chicken dry to maximize flavor absorption while cooking.
- If time allows, sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for an additional layer of flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you find your broth to be too bland or salty.
- Feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies—zucchini or sweet potatoes would work well in this recipe too.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth mixture.
Using a slow cooker not only makes this dish easy but also intensifies the flavors as everything cooks together over time.
When you serve this lovely dish at your table, be prepared for compliments! The way the chicken and vegetables come together is indicative of comfort food done right. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—I’m confident you and your loved ones will enjoy every bite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time. On LOW, it may take closer to 8-10 hours to cook thoroughly. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully! Breasts are leaner, while thighs are typically juicier and more flavorful. Choose based on your preference!
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in any of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or green beans. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different veggies have varying cooking times.
What should I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a light salad, steamed rice, or over quinoa for a complete meal. You could even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth!
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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: American
Description
This chicken crockpot recipe is a true delight with its irresistible lemon-herb flavor and wholesome veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a healthy and satisfying meal with minimal prep time. Enjoy tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a burst of freshness, all cooked to perfection in one pot!
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 dry with paper towels.
- Arrange chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes in the crockpot.
- Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, minced garlic, olive oil, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Lay lemon slices on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until fully cooked.
- Remove lemon slices once done, shred the chicken, and return it to the pot.
- Stir all ingredients gently in the crockpot.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
Use a mix of your favorite vegetables to customize this dish to your liking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
