Lemon Herb Chicken Veggie Crockpot Wonder
Recipe Introduction: Lemon Herb Chicken Crockpot Wonder
Fancy some easy and healthy crockpot recipes ? I bet you do! This recipe is a winner. It’s sunshine in a bowl. Honestly, it's perfect after a long day.
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for something yummy, but you're knackered? Our Lemon Herb Chicken Healthy Crockpot Wonder is a hug in a bowl. It's packed with lemon and herb goodness.
Brief Overview
This dish hails from the Mediterranean diet. Think sunny flavors meet easy cooking. It is super simple and takes about 6- 8 hours on low, or 3- 4 hours on high.
It makes about 6 servings. So, enough for the whole family.
Main Benefits
This is one of those healthy crockpot recipes that’s good for you. Lean protein and loads of veggies! Serve it any night of the week.
What makes it special? It's tasty without any fuss. Plus, it's great for weight loss .
Ready to dive into the ingredients?
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk grub. This Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Crockpot Wonder is all about ease and flavour. It's one of those healthy crockpot recipes that uses simple ingredients to make something amazing.
Honestly, prep is a doddle!
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Go for ones that look plump and juicy. Quality chicken makes a difference.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped. About 1 cup .
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped. Aim for 1 cup .
- 2 celery stalks, chopped. Again, roughly 1 cup .
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped. You guessed it, around 1 cup .
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. The fresher the better.
- 1 lemon, juiced ( 3 tablespoons ) and zested ( 1 teaspoon ).
- 1 tsp dried oregano.
- 1 tsp dried thyme.
- ½ tsp dried rosemary.
- ½ tsp salt. Adjust to taste, especially if watching your sodium. This helps create low sodium crockpot recipes .
- ¼ tsp black pepper.
- 32 oz (946ml) low-sodium chicken broth. Watch that sodium! It's key for healthy crockpot recipes .
- 1 cup frozen peas. Added last.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. For that final flourish.
I remember once, I used regular chicken broth, and my nan nearly keeled over from the saltiness. Stick to low-sodium! For crockpot recipes for weight loss , this recipe is perfect.
Its one of the most easy and healthy crockpot recipes .
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens. Oregano, thyme, and rosemary are a classic combo. Lemon zest brightens everything up. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of kick.
You could try Italian seasoning instead of oregano if you do not have any.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. You only need a few things:
- A 6-quart (5.7 litre) slow cooker (crockpot) . Absolutely essential!
- Cutting board and knife. Obviously.
- Measuring cups and spoons. For accuracy.
- A zester and juicer for the lemon. A fork works in a pinch for juicing.
Honestly, easy slow cooker dinners healthy like this one are a lifesaver. Plus, it's almost a one pot healthy recipes slow cooker , which means less washing up.
Can't complain about that, can you? And because it is done in a slow cooker, it fits in the category of crockpot recipes slow cooker .
These healthy slow cooker recipes are just awesome!
Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Crockpot Wonder
Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! Forget slaving over a hot stove. This easy and healthy crockpot recipes is about to become your new best friend.
It is the perfect recipe for weight loss . Honestly, there is nothing better than coming home after a long day to a healthy slow cooker meal, ready to eat.
Prep Like a Pro: The Essential Mise en Place
First, it is all about getting your ducks in a row. This is essential to an amazing meal. We're talking about chopping up one large yellow onion, two carrots, two celery stalks, and one red bell pepper.
Mince four cloves of garlic. Then, zest and juice one lemon. This should take you about 20 minutes. Prepping is the key to making this one of the pot recipes easy you'll ever make.
Pro Tip: Chop all your veggies at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge. Then, your prep time is literally five minutes.
Slow Cooker Magic: step-by-step
- First, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to your crockpot. It protects the chicken from the heat.
- Next, place the chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) on top of the veggies.
- In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, one tsp dried oregano, one tsp dried thyme, half tsp dried rosemary, half tsp salt, and quarter tsp black pepper.
- Pour that flavorful mixture over the chicken. Then, pour in 32 oz of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Aim for an internal chicken temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . This is where the crockpot recipes slow cooker magic happens.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in one cup of frozen peas.
- Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Then, return it to the crockpot.
- Finally, garnish with quarter cup of fresh parsley.
Healthy Crockpot Recipes : Pro Tips and Tricks
Want to take this recipe to the next level? I've had some issues in the past, but I know now! Don't overcook your chicken.
Overcooked chicken is dry and nobody wants dry chicken. To make this a truly low sodium crockpot recipes , use low-sodium broth.
I tried once to sear the chicken before putting in the slow cooker and it worked amazing, searing the chicken is completely optional, but adds a layer of complexity! Remember to add the peas last to keep them from getting mushy.
This meal really feels like one pot healthy recipes slow cooker!
Enjoy this easy slow cooker dinners healthy dish. It will be a staple in your home.
Alright, let's talk about getting the most out of this easy and healthy crockpot recipes gem. It's not just about chucking ingredients in and hoping for the best, you know?
Recipe Notes
Fab Serving Ideas
Honestly, presentation matters! Plate this healthy crockpot goodness in a shallow bowl. Top it with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
A lemon wedge? Chef's kiss. This visually boosts its appeal. For sides, I'm thinking a fluffy bed of quinoa or some crusty bread for soaking up all those lovely juices.
Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine or even just sparkling water. It is a real deal.
Top Storage Tricks
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy slow cooker chicken keeps well. Once cooled, bung it in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze it? Go for it! It'll last for up to 2 months. When reheating, defrost overnight and then gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Just make sure it's piping hot, at least 74° C ( 165° F) , before serving.
Swaps & Changes
Want to mix things up? I feel you! This crockpot recipes slow cooker is super versatile. If you're watching your carbs, swap the peas for green beans.
For a creamy version, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end. For dietary needs? This recipe shines.
Make it gluten-free by making sure your broth is gluten-free. Like it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
It's your pot recipes easy , so have fun with it!
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's keep it real: this recipe is packed with goodness. You are looking for slow cooker chicken recipes healthy and easy slow cooker dinners healthy This recipe is about 250 calories per serving.
It boasts a whopping 35g of protein. It is relatively low in fat and a good source of fiber. Thanks to all those veggies.
Using low sodium crockpot recipes for the broth is key to keeping the sodium down. This recipe supports weight loss.
Crockpot recipes for weight loss are a great option. This is a perfect one pot healthy recipes slow cooker meal.
So there you have it! A super simple, flavour packed meal that's actually good for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I know you'll nail it! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make easy and healthy crockpot recipes, even if I'm rubbish at cooking?
Absolutely! That's the beauty of a slow cooker it's practically foolproof. This Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Crockpot Wonder recipe is designed for simplicity. Just chop the veggies, toss everything in, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
Think of it as your own personal kitchen assistant, without the sass!
How can I adapt this easy and healthy crockpot recipe for different dietary needs?
No worries, mate! This recipe is super adaptable. For a gluten-free version, just ensure you're using a gluten-free chicken broth. You can also swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time slightly. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you could even use turkey!
My chicken always ends up dry in the slow cooker. What am I doing wrong?
Overcooking is often the culprit! Keep an eye on the chicken, especially if cooking on high. The chicken should be cooked through, but not stringy. Also, make sure you're using enough broth to keep everything moist.
If you are still concerned, you can sear the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker to help seal in the juices.
What's the best way to store leftovers of this crockpot dish?
Leftovers are your friend! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
It's brilliant for meal prepping, like a modern day version of Spam fritters - only far healthier!
Can I add other vegetables to this Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Crockpot Wonder?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions. Just keep in mind that some vegetables, like zucchini, will cook more quickly than others, so add them later in the cooking process, maybe with the peas in the last 30 minutes.
Make sure to consider this when looking for easy and healthy crockpot recipes, to ensure that it includes a variety of foods.
Is there anything I can do to make this recipe even more flavorful?
Absolutely! For an extra layer of flavour, consider searing the chicken breasts in a hot pan with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This will create a lovely caramelized crust.
Also, don't be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick, or you could add a bay leaf for a more aromatic flavour.
Lemon Herb Chicken Veggie Crockpot Wonder
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
