Healthy Whole Food Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipes

If you’re looking for healthy whole food crockpot recipes, you’ve come to the right place! I remember one rainy Sunday when my son, Jake, came home from soccer practice, drenched and hungry. I had a delicious crockpot chicken waiting for him, and his smile was worth every minute of prep time. These recipes are simple and perfect for busy families, bringing comfort and nutrition to your table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re easy to prepare, just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work.
• You can customize the flavors to fit your family’s tastes.
• They’re great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.

Pure Comfort

There’s something so comforting about coming home to the aroma of seasoned crockpot chicken wafting through the house. It feels like a warm hug after a long day.

What You Need

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – You can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a fragrant kick.
• 1 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 1 1 tsp dried thyme – Fresh thyme can be used, just double the amount.
• 1 1 tsp paprika – Smoked paprika adds a nice depth.
• 1 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 1/2 tsp black pepper – For a little heat.
• 1 1 cup carrots, sliced – Adds sweetness and color.
• 1 1 cup celery, sliced – For crunch and flavor.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 6 hours on low | Total: 6 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting.
2. In the crockpot, add the chicken breasts. They should be fresh and slightly thawed for even cooking.
3. Sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic over the chicken. This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. This will keep it moist and tender.
5. Add the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine the spices with the broth.
6. Now, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. They’ll add texture and sweetness to the dish.
7. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
8. Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the crockpot for maximum flavor absorption. It should be juicy and flavorful.
9. Serve the chicken with the veggies on a plate, and enjoy the comforting aroma that fills the air. It’s perfect with rice or in a wrap!
10. Don’t forget to save any leftovers for a delicious lunch the next day!

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices the night before.
• If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and stir in a cornstarch slurry before serving.
• Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety.

Mix It Up

• For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
• You can also make a creamy version by stirring in a cup of cream cheese during the last hour of cooking.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a light and refreshing side.

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FAQs

Conclusion

These healthy whole food crockpot recipes are not only easy to make but also perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare a delicious meal that your family will enjoy. So grab your crockpot and get cooking; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create the best chicken crockpot meals!