Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy a wholesome meal with this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing, perfect for busy weeknights.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a comforting dish that's both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for family dinners!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken cooked to perfection in a savory broth
- Flavorful stuffing that complements the chicken beautifully
- Easy preparation with minimal cleanup
A Wholesome Meal for Everyone
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a delightful dish that brings comfort and nutrition to your dinner table. This recipe is not just about satisfying your hunger; it also offers a balanced meal that includes lean protein and vegetables. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures that you're getting a hearty serving of protein without the excess fat. Paired with flavorful stuffing and nutrient-rich veggies, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing for the whole family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it. The crockpot does the hard work for you, allowing you to attend to other tasks while dinner cooks. It's perfect for busy weeknights, ensuring that you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you're looking to streamline your weekly meal prep, this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is an excellent choice. Not only does it serve multiple portions, but it also stores well in the refrigerator. You can easily reheat leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week. This means you'll have delicious, home-cooked meals ready to go, saving you time and effort while maintaining a healthy diet.
Additionally, the ingredients are versatile. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Carrots, peas, or even mushrooms could be great additions to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. With such flexibility, this recipe can adapt to suit your family's tastes and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory flavors of the main dish. Alternatively, roasted or steamed green beans or broccoli can complement the meal beautifully, providing additional nutrients and color to your plate.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider serving this dish with some whole-grain bread or a slice of cornbread. This adds texture and makes for a heartier meal, perfect for those cold evenings when you crave something warm and filling. Whatever your preference, this recipe is versatile enough to suit a variety of accompaniments.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package (12 oz) stuffing mix
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gather all ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience.
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place them at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add Vegetables and Broth
Add chopped celery and onion over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
Mix Stuffing
In a separate bowl, mix the stuffing mix with 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and then spread it over the chicken mixture in the crockpot.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken stays tender and juicy, avoid overcooking. Checking the internal temperature around the 4-hour mark is a good practice. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. If you find that the chicken is cooking too quickly, consider adjusting the heat setting or adding a bit more broth to the crockpot.
For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the broth and spices a few hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to infuse deeper into the chicken, resulting in an even tastier meal. You could also add additional herbs or spices according to your taste preferences.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, you'll have a quick meal option ready whenever you need it.
When reheating, ensure that you do so gently to preserve the chicken's moisture. You can microwave it in short intervals or reheat it in the oven at a low temperature. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help maintain the dish's moisture during the reheating process.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be increased.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
→ Can I add vegetables to the stuffing?
Absolutely! You can add diced carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Enjoy a wholesome meal with this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing, perfect for busy weeknights.
Created by: Lillian Hayes
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package (12 oz) stuffing mix
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place them at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add chopped celery and onion over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
In a separate bowl, mix the stuffing mix with 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and then spread it over the chicken mixture in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 30g