Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the magic of a healthy crockpot dinner! Seriously, just throw everything in and let it do its thing while you go about your day. I love using my crockpot because it takes the stress out of dinner time. You can prep everything in the morning, and by the time you’re ready to eat, your home is filled with the most amazing aromas, making it feel like a cozy restaurant right in your kitchen! This particular recipe has become a staple in our household because it’s not only so simple to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back to this one again and again!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delicious healthy crockpot dinner. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless and skinless, trimmed of excess fat for a lean meal)
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (I love using a mix of chopped carrots, diced bell peppers, and sliced zucchini, but feel free to get creative with your favorites!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz, no salt added is a great option for a healthier dish)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (this adds a wonderful depth of flavor without too much salt)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for that delicious garlic flavor without the fuss of chopping)
- 1 tsp onion powder (easy and adds a nice base flavor to the dish)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (this gives it a lovely herby kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always a must to enhance those flavors)
Make sure to prep everything before you start, and you’ll be on your way to a hearty, healthy meal in no time!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create this flavorful healthy crockpot dinner. It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breast at the bottom of the crockpot. This is crucial because it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and locks in all that delicious moisture. You want juicy chicken, right? So, let it sit there and soak up all the goodness from what’s about to come!
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, it’s time to add your chopped vegetables. I love a colorful mix of carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, but don’t hesitate to use frozen veggies for convenience! They work just as well and save you even more prep time. Just toss them right on top of the chicken!
Step 3: Add Liquids
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. This step adds a ton of flavor and moisture, which is key to keeping everything tender and tasty. Make sure to cover all those lovely veggies and chicken with the liquid; it’ll help everything cook evenly!
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Time to sprinkle in your seasonings! Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference—this is your dish! Just make sure they’re evenly distributed over the top.
Step 5: Cooking Time
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re short on time, choose the high setting for 3-4 hours. If you can let it simmer longer, the low setting for 6-8 hours is perfect for that deep flavor infusion. When it’s done, the chicken should be tender and easy to shred!
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Once your cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix everything together so those flavors meld beautifully. Serve it hot, and enjoy your healthy, hearty meal. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind! Here’s a typical breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling great!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep—just toss everything in and let the crockpot do the work!
- Nutritious and wholesome, packed with lean protein and colorful veggies.
- Flavorful and satisfying, with a delicious blend of herbs that will impress your taste buds.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Great for busy nights when you need a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, here are some handy tips to ensure your healthy crockpot dinner turns out perfectly every time!
- Keep the lid on: I can’t stress this enough! Keeping the lid on while cooking is crucial for retaining heat and moisture. Every time you lift it, you let out precious steam!
- Check for doneness: When the cooking time is up, make sure the chicken is cooked through and tender. If it’s not shredding easily, give it a bit more time.
- Tweak the seasonings: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste! If you love a bit more flavor, add a pinch of your favorite herbs or spices.
- Prep ahead: If you’re short on time, chop your veggies the night before and store them in the fridge. It’ll make your dinner prep a breeze!
- Experiment: Feel free to mix and match veggies or proteins based on what you have at home. This recipe is super flexible!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be a crockpot pro in no time! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this healthy crockpot dinner! You can easily swap the chicken for turkey or even beef if you want a heartier meal. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas or lentils instead of meat. And don’t stop at just carrots and zucchini—throw in broccoli, peas, or even spinach for added nutrients and color! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to use whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from this healthy crockpot dinner are a lifesaver for those busy weeknights! To store, simply let the dish cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label them with the date so you know how long they’ve been stored!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the microwave. Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a lid or a paper towel, and heat it up in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
This healthy crockpot dinner is so versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal! I love serving it over quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome grain boost. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully. You can also serve it with some crusty whole grain bread to soak up all those delicious juices. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to make your meal even more satisfying!
For more healthy recipes, check out this healthy burger wrap recipe or this crockpot chicken and rice recipe for more delicious ideas!
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Healthy Crockpot Dinners Made Simple: 5 Steps to Success!
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A simple and healthy crockpot dinner recipe that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the chopped vegetables on top of the chicken.
- Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together.
- Serve hot and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- Use frozen vegetables for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: healthy crockpot dinners
