Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Discover a wholesome and delicious way to enjoy chicken with this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken with flavorful stuffing for a comforting meal.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a family favorite! Made with lean chicken breast and whole grain stuffing, it's a nutritious twist on a classic dish. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A comforting meal that requires minimal effort
- Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients
- Perfectly cooked chicken every time
The Benefits of Using a Crockpot
Crockpots, or slow cookers, are a game-changer for busy home cooks. They allow you to prepare meals with minimal hands-on time. Simply layer your ingredients in the pot, set the timer, and let the appliance do the work for you. This means you can go about your day without worrying about dinner, making it an ideal option for families with hectic schedules.
Another significant benefit of using a crockpot is the enhanced flavor that results from slow cooking. The low and slow method allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Additionally, cooking in a crockpot can help retain nutrients in the food, making it a healthier option compared to traditional cooking methods.
Making the Most of Your Ingredients
Choosing high-quality ingredients is key to achieving a delicious dish. Opt for fresh, organic vegetables and lean cuts of chicken to enhance the nutritional value of your meal. Whole grain stuffing mix adds fiber and texture, making it a healthier alternative to traditional stuffing.
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can incorporate other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers, or even add herbs like rosemary or parsley for an extra flavor boost. The versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment and make it your own.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck! This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
For longer storage, consider freezing the leftovers. Portion them out into freezer-safe containers and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box (10 oz) whole grain stuffing mix
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting your cooking process!
Instructions
Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Add the Vegetables
Spread the chopped celery and onion over the chicken.
Mix the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix and chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is moist.
Combine and Cook
Spread the stuffing mixture over the vegetables and chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Serve
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together before serving. Enjoy!
This dish can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
To ensure your chicken breasts are perfectly cooked, avoid overcrowding the crockpot. If necessary, cook in batches or use a larger crockpot. Additionally, using a meat thermometer can take the guesswork out of cooking; the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Another tip is to let the chicken rest after cooking for about 10 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. The light crunch of fresh greens complements the hearty stuffing and chicken, creating a balanced meal.
For a more indulgent experience, consider adding a drizzle of gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the chicken and stuffing. These additions can elevate the dish, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Discover a wholesome and delicious way to enjoy chicken with this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken with flavorful stuffing for a comforting meal.
Created by: Lillian Hayes
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box (10 oz) whole grain stuffing mix
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Spread the chopped celery and onion over the chicken.
In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix and chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is moist.
Spread the stuffing mixture over the vegetables and chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g