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Healthy Crockpot Recipes
Featured in: Easy Dinner Recipes • Healthy Chicken Recipes • Healthy Crockpot Recipes Collection
Healthy crockpot recipes are the secret weapon of busy home cooks, and this cozy chicken and vegetable crockpot stew is exactly the kind of meal I lean on when life is full but I still want dinner to feel nourishing and homemade.
Imagine tender bites of chicken, soft carrots, creamy potatoes, and sweet bell peppers all simmered low and slow in a light, herb-loaded broth. The aroma as it cooks is rich and savory, but the flavor stays fresh and bright thanks to garlic, onion, and a squeeze of lemon at the end. It tastes like you had a pot simmering on the stove all afternoon — but your slow cooker did all the work.
This recipe is perfect if you’re craving healthy crockpot chicken that doesn’t rely on heavy cream or canned soups. It’s naturally gluten-free, easy to adapt dairy-free, and packed with protein and veggies. Total hands-on time is about 15 minutes; then your crockpot quietly does its thing while you work, wrangle kids, or just live your life.
Below you’ll find everything you need: simple ingredients, step-by-step photos, make-ahead tips, and smart swaps so you can make this recipe your own. Let’s make it!
Recipe by
Clare — 3recipes
Published February 18, 2025 • Tested, re-tested, and loved by busy home cooks
Why You’ll Be Obsessed With This Healthy Crockpot Recipes Dinner
- Hands-off cooking: 15 minutes of prep, then your slow cooker takes over.
- Truly healthy: Lean protein, lots of vegetables, and a light broth instead of heavy cream.
- Family-friendly flavor: Mild, cozy, and customizable for both kids and adults.
- Great for meal prep: Makes 6 servings and reheats beautifully for lunches.
- One-pot win: Protein, veggies, and broth in one crockpot means almost no dishes.
- Flexible: Easy to adapt dairy-free, low-carb, or higher fiber with beans or whole grains.
Healthy Crockpot Recipes Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this healthy crockpot chicken and vegetable stew. Simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
For the Crockpot Chicken & Veggies
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), trimmed
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch coins
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Herbs & Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for gentle smokiness)
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (added at the end for brightness)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Nutrition
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (stirred in at the end)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale, roughly chopped
Ingredient prep tip: If you want to level up your knife skills (and make all your healthy crockpot recipes easier), practice your basic veggie chops — and keep your knife sharp for safer, faster prep.
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Recipes Chicken Stew (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a cozy slow cooker dinner that practically makes itself.
Step 01
Prep the chicken and vegetables
Trim any excess fat from the chicken. Peel and slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the pepper and onion, and mince the garlic. Keeping everything in similar bite-sized pieces helps this dish cook evenly and feel cozy to eat from a spoon.
Step 02
Layer everything into the crockpot
Drizzle the olive oil into the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, garlic, and green beans. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
Step 03
Season and pour in the broth
Sprinkle the salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), and bay leaf over everything. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure most of the chicken is submerged.
Step 04
Slow cook low and slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F) and the vegetables are fork-tender.
Step 05
Shred the chicken and finish the stew
Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Shred it with two forks, then return it to the crockpot. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. If using spinach, kale, beans, or cooked grains, add them now and let the stew sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes to warm through.
Step 06
Taste, adjust, and serve
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra herbs, and enjoy your cozy, nourishing crockpot dinner.
You Must Know Before Making This Healthy Crockpot Dinner
- Don’t skip the salt: Broth and vegetables soak up seasoning. Start with the listed amount and adjust at the end if needed.
- Cut evenly: Try to keep carrots and potatoes similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
- Low and slow is kinder: Cooking on LOW gives you the most tender chicken and vegetables for most healthy crockpot recipes.
- Add greens at the end: Spinach and kale only need a few minutes to wilt; adding them early can make them overcooked and gray.
- Let it rest: Turning off the crockpot and letting the stew sit for 5–10 minutes thickens the broth slightly and helps flavors meld.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of extra broth or water, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Freezer-friendly: This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date.
- Reheat from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen over low heat, adding liquid as needed.
- Make-ahead: You can chop all vegetables and store them in the fridge for 1–2 days. In the morning, add everything to the crockpot, pour over broth, and start cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Different protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness, or turkey breast for a lighter twist.
- Low-carb option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or extra green beans and peppers.
- Dairy-free “creamy” version: Stir in 1/2 cup canned light coconut milk at the end for a silky, lightly creamy broth.
- Bean boost: Add white beans or chickpeas for extra fiber and plant-based protein.
- Italian-inspired: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a pinch of Italian seasoning, then serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Spice it up: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if your crew loves a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot chicken and veggie stew is a complete meal in a bowl, but a few simple sides can make it feel extra special.
- Serve with warm crusty bread or a slice of garlic toast for dipping.
- Add a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the cozy flavors.
- Top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan for creaminess and richness.
For more dinner ideas to pair with your healthy crockpot recipes, explore our Easy Dinner Recipes and Healthy Chicken Recipes.
Comfort Food, the Slow Cooker Way
Stews and braises have been part of home cooking traditions around the world for generations, from French pot-au-feu to rustic American chicken stew. The crockpot is simply our modern, plug-in version of a low, steady fire. It lets us enjoy that same slow-simmered comfort without tending a pot all day. Healthy crockpot recipes like this are a bridge between old-fashioned, time-honored techniques and the reality of busy weeknights, making hearty, nourishing meals possible even when your schedule is full.
👨🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Healthy Crockpot Recipes
- Use low-sodium broth: It gives you better control over seasoning and keeps the recipe truly healthy.
- Don’t overfill: Most crockpots shouldn’t be filled past 3/4 full or they may cook unevenly.
- Resist lifting the lid: Every peek releases heat and can add 20–30 minutes to your total cook time.
- Check chicken thickness: Very thick chicken breasts might need an extra 30 minutes; smaller pieces cook a bit faster.
- Finish with acid: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end brightens the whole dish without adding extra salt.
- Cool safely: Let leftovers cool slightly, then transfer to shallow containers so they chill quickly and safely in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this healthy crockpot recipe with frozen chicken?
For food safety, it’s best to use fully thawed chicken in the crockpot. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Good news: the base recipe is already dairy-free. Just skip any cheese or yogurt toppings, or use your favorite dairy-free alternatives.
Can I cook this on HIGH the whole time?
Yes, you can cook it on HIGH for about 3–4 hours, but the texture is a bit more tender and “stew-like” when cooked on LOW. Many healthy crockpot recipes benefit from the low and slow approach.
What if my stew is too thin?
Remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes to reduce the broth, or mash a few potatoes and stir them back in to naturally thicken it.
Can I turn this into a vegetarian crockpot meal?
Yes! Leave out the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra beans, potatoes, or lentils. You may want to reduce the cook time slightly, since beans and vegetables cook faster than chicken.
Helpful Resources
Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Veggie Stew
This cozy, veggie-packed chicken stew is one of our favorite healthy crockpot recipes: low effort, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
⏱ Prep: 15 mins
🍲 Cook: 6 hrs (LOW)
📌 Total: 6 hrs 15 mins
By: Amanda @ 3recipes
Category: Easy Dinners
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Base
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
Instructions
- Prep: Trim chicken. Peel and slice carrots, dice potatoes, chop pepper and onion, and mince garlic.
- Layer: Add olive oil to the crockpot. Layer in onion, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, garlic, and green beans. Place chicken on top.
- Season: Sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf over everything. Pour in broth.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours) until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Shred: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the crockpot. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Finish: If using beans, greens, or cooked grains, stir them in now. Let sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes to warm through. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve.
🔢 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: ~280 • Carbohydrates: ~24g • Fat: ~7g • Protein: ~30g • Sugar: ~5g
Values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and portions.
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