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Chicken Crockpot Recipes: 10 Easy & Healthy Dinners for Busy Nights

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These chicken crockpot recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, offering healthy, comforting dinners with minimal prep. Packed with lean protein and veggies, they’re customizable, family-friendly, and practically cook themselves.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • 1–2 teaspoons dried thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chili powder or cumin (optional, for Tex-Mex flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
  • 1 can (14 oz) canned tomatoes or tomato sauce (optional)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for creamy versions)
  • Beans or corn (optional, for chili/Southwestern recipes)
  • Cooked rice or pasta (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop all vegetables: onion, carrots, celery, bell peppers. Mince garlic. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. Place chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Scatter chopped veggies and garlic on top. Pour in chicken broth and olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle on dried herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and any optional extras (like tomatoes or beans).
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
  5. If adding greens, stir in spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes. For creamy recipes, mix in Greek yogurt or sour cream just before serving.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
  7. For shredded chicken, remove breasts after cooking, shred with two forks, and return to crockpot for 10 minutes to soak up juices.
  8. Serve hot, optionally over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.

Notes

These recipes are highly adaptable—swap veggies or spices based on what you have. For extra flavor, sear chicken before slow cooking. Add greens at the end for best texture. For thicker sauces, remove lid in last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry. Prep veggies and spices the night before for efficiency. Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken crockpot, slow cooker chicken, healthy chicken dinner, easy crockpot recipes, weeknight dinner, family meal, gluten-free, dairy-free, meal prep, comfort food

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/chicken-crockpot-recipes-10-easy-and-healthy-dinners-for-busy-nights/