10+ Healthy Crockpot Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

10+ Healthy Crockpot Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Healthy cooking can be easy and rewarding, especially when you use a slow cooker. With a little preparation, you can create delicious meals that nourish your body without spending hours in the kitchen.

Using healthy crockpot recipes allows you to enjoy flavorful dishes that fit into your busy lifestyle.

Fresh vegetables and lean meats arranged around a bubbling crockpot. Herbs and spices scattered nearby

These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to eat better without sacrificing taste. You can prepare everything from soups and stews to main courses that the whole family will love.

Enjoy the convenience of set-and-forget meals that will have you coming back for seconds!

1) Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A slow cooker filled with honey garlic chicken surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and easy meal. You’ll love how simple it is to make. This dish features juicy chicken in a sweet and savory sauce.

You need only a few ingredients to get started. Chicken thighs or breasts work well, and they cook to perfection in the slow cooker. The sauce is made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of olive oil.

To make this recipe, just combine the sauce ingredients, coat the chicken, and let it cook. In a few hours, you’ll have a tasty dinner ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl.
  2. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours).
  5. Serve and enjoy!

2) Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowls

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and fluffy rice piled high in a bowl, topped with a drizzle of savory sauce

Healthy chicken burrito bowls are a great option for a nutritious meal. They are easy to prepare in a crockpot and packed with flavor. You can enjoy a balanced bowl of chicken, rice, beans, and veggies.

Start by adding chicken breasts to your slow cooker. Season it with taco seasoning for a tasty kick. Then, add in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.

Cook the mixture on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred. Serve your burrito bowl with brown rice or quinoa, and top with fresh cilantro or avocado.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) chicken breasts
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.
  3. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
  4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
  5. Shred the chicken and mix well before serving.

3) Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

A slow cooker filled with tender beef and vibrant broccoli simmering in a flavorful, healthy sauce

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a tasty and nutritious dish that is easy to make. You can enjoy tender beef and crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce.

For the best results, choose a good cut of steak. You can find many recipes that guide you on the perfect combinations of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

This dish fits well in a busy schedule since it cooks for several hours. You can have a healthy meal ready without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs beef (such as flank steak)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut the beef into thin slices.
  2. Combine the beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and pepper in the slow cooker.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours (about 170-190°C).
  4. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

4) Dump & Go Veggie Chili

A colorful array of chopped vegetables and beans in a slow cooker, surrounded by vibrant spices and herbs

This Dump & Go Veggie Chili is perfect for busy days. You can throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you. It’s nutritious and delicious!

Start with canned beans like black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn for a burst of flavor. Don’t forget to season with your favorite spices!

You’ll enjoy a warm, hearty meal without the fuss. Just set your slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low heat (around 200°F to 250°F or 93°C to 121°C) and relax while the chili cooks.

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can pinto beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the beans.
  2. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
  3. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

5) Marinated Olives with Herbs

A crockpot filled with marinated olives and herbs, surrounded by fresh ingredients and cooking utensils

Marinated olives are a delicious and healthy snack. You can make them easily in your crockpot. They’re packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

To prepare, you’ll need a mix of your favorite olives. Combine them with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and a splash of olive oil. This blend creates a tasty marinade.

Once everything is in your slow cooker, set it to low heat. Let the olives cook for a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed olives
  • 2 tablespoons dried herbs (like oregano or thyme)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ÂĽ cup olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Add olives, herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil to the crockpot.
  2. Stir the mixture until everything is combined.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Serve warm or let cool and enjoy later.

6) Sticky Honey Garlic Thighs

A crockpot filled with honey garlic glazed chicken thighs surrounded by fresh herbs and vegetables

Sticky honey garlic thighs are a delicious and easy dish to make in your crockpot. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, covered in a sweet and savory sauce. This meal is perfect for busy days.

To make this dish, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a few more simple ingredients. The combination creates a rich flavor that everyone will love.

Serve these thighs over rice or with steamed vegetables. You can even toss in some broccoli while cooking to make it a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • â…“ cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, basil, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours (about 93-100°C) or on high for 3-4 hours (about 150-160°C).

7) Protein-Packed Chili

A bubbling crockpot filled with hearty chili, brimming with beans, vegetables, and chunks of protein-packed meat

Protein-packed chili is a great choice for a healthy meal. You can load it with ground meat, beans, and vegetables. This not only makes it filling but also rich in nutrients.

One popular option is turkey chili. It uses lean ground turkey, which keeps the dish low in fat while providing protein. You can also add kidney beans and corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Another delicious version is a slow cooker chili that includes ground beef. This chili typically has around 36 grams of protein per serving. Combining flavors like spices and vegetables makes it a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) corn, drained
  • 1 can (28 oz/796g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add the cooked meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
  3. Add your spices and stir well.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (around 175°F/80°C).
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Enjoy!

8) Savory Pot Roast

A crockpot filled with savory pot roast surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs

A savory pot roast is a comforting meal that’s easy to make in your crockpot. It features tender beef along with hearty vegetables. This recipe gives you delicious flavors and a warm, satisfying dish.

To prepare, start by seasoning the beef chuck roast with spices. Then, place it in the crockpot with carrots, potatoes, and onions. You can also add garlic for more taste.

Cook the roast on low for about 8 hours (approximately 93°C) or on high for 4 hours (about 149°C). This slow cooking makes the meat really tender.

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 4 potatoes, chopped
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups beef broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the roast in the crockpot.
  3. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
  4. Pour beef broth over everything.
  5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

9) Broccoli and Cheese Soup

A crockpot filled with broccoli and cheese soup simmering on a kitchen counter, surrounded by fresh vegetables and a ladle

This broccoli and cheese soup is a warm and comforting dish. It’s easy to make in your slow cooker, saving you time and effort.

Start by adding fresh broccoli and other veggies to your slow cooker. You can include carrots and onions for added flavor. Pour in some chicken broth and let it simmer for several hours.

Before serving, mix in your favorite cheeses for a creamy texture. Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can experiment with others too.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 medium carrots, small-diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Add broccoli, carrots, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour in chicken broth.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper.

10) Lemon Herb Chicken Stew

A crockpot filled with lemon herb chicken stew surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs

Lemon Herb Chicken Stew is a tasty and healthy option for your crockpot. This dish is simple to prepare and filled with delicious flavors.

You can include tender chicken and a variety of veggies in a creamy lemon-herb broth.

To make this stew, you can use your favorite vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas. The bright taste of lemon adds a refreshing twist.

Using a slow cooker makes it a convenient option for busy days.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds (680 g) chicken breast or thighs
  • 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (300 g) chopped veggies (e.g., carrots, potatoes)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cream or milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
  2. Add chopped vegetables and chicken broth.
  3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is approximately 175°F to 190°F or 80°C to 88°C.
  5. Stir in cream and lemon juice before serving.

Similar Posts