15 Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
These Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. They have incredible flavor and are so easy to throw together, so you come home to a wholesome meal!
If you’re looking for some healthy slow cooker inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! Making a healthy dinner is so easy when you enlist your trusty set-it-and-forget-it crockpot. Whether you have chicken breast or chicken thighs, chicken is a lean, inexpensive meat great for feeding your family.
It’s safe to say healthy crockpot chicken recipes are a simple yet economical way to put a cozy protein-packed dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen—just like our Slow Cooker Soup and Stew recipes.
Read on for our most popular recipes.
Why You’ll Love the Recipes
- Easy
- Low-Carb
- Fresh Healthy Ingredients
- Budget-Friendly
- Ideal for Meal Prep
- Family-Friendly
Healthy Side Dishes to Pair with Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Turning these easy crock pot chicken recipes into a full meal is easy. Here are some ideas for nutritious sides:
- Complement your chicken dishes with nutritious sides like steamed or roasted vegetables, quinoa, Instant Pot brown rice, cauliflower rice, green beans, or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded meal.
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
My Expert Tips
- Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place denser and slower-cooking vegetables (like potatoes and onions) at the bottom of the slow cooker and layer chicken on top. This ensures even cooking.
- Don’t overcook. If you want a longer cooking time, try filling your slow cooker more than half full, as this slows down the cooking process some. Use a smaller crockpot if necessary.
- Thicken Sauces if Necessary: If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, you can create a slurry with equal parts cornstarch and water to thicken it.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Equipment: Most of these recipes are designed for a 6-quart Slow Cooker.
- Slow cooker variations: The exact heat and speed of cooking can vary between different crockpots. Some crockpots, especially newer models, may cook hotter and faster than others, so modify the recipe accordingly.
Top Tip
Check for Doneness: To avoid the dreaded over-dry chicken and know when it’s done, check your chicken with a digital meat thermometer. When it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F., it’s ready.
FAQs
While it is generally safer to use thawed chicken for even cooking, some slow cooker recipes allow for the use of frozen chicken. Ensure your slow cooker reaches a safe temperature quickly to prevent bacterial growth.
To keep chicken moist, use bone-in, skin-on pieces or add liquids such as broth, sauces, or yogurt. Avoid overcooking by following recommended cooking times and temperatures and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Yes, you can, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs often result in juicier meat. If using breasts, consider adjusting the cooking time to prevent them from becoming dry. Slow Cookers nowadays tend to cook faster than older models.
Absolutely! Slow cooker recipes are excellent for meal prep. Cook in large batches, store in portions, and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
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