Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal with this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing. Perfect for busy weeknights!
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a chilly evening. The combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a medley of vegetables makes it a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
- Packed with flavor from herbs and spices
- A comforting dish that everyone will enjoy
- Healthy ingredients with no guilt
A Comforting Family Meal
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is the ideal choice for a cozy family dinner. The slow-cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing the rich flavors of the stuffing and vegetables. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a nutritious option that the whole family can enjoy together. It’s the perfect way to bond over a delicious meal after a busy day.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. You can prepare it in just a few minutes by layering the ingredients in your crockpot, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. Whether you're returning from work, running errands, or managing family activities, this dish allows you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is designed with health-conscious individuals in mind. By using low-sodium chicken broth and stuffing mix, you can significantly reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor. The addition of fresh vegetables like celery, onion, and mushrooms adds essential vitamins and minerals to the dish, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Moreover, chicken breast is a lean source of protein that helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. This dish is not only delicious but also supports a balanced diet, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying hearty comfort food.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe is also an excellent option for meal prepping. You can easily double the ingredients to create leftovers for the week. Simply store the extra portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and you'll have ready-to-eat meals that can be quickly reheated for lunch or dinner. This saves time and effort during the week, allowing you to focus on other priorities.
Additionally, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, or swap the chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian version. The versatility of this dish makes it a fantastic base for exploring different flavors while keeping it healthy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box of low-sodium stuffing mix
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Add Vegetables
Add chopped celery, onion, and mushrooms on top of the chicken in the crockpot.
Mix Stuffing
In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with chicken broth. Stir until combined and pour over the chicken and vegetables.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir and serve warm.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers of your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you're looking to store it for a longer period, consider freezing individual portions. Just remember to label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
When reheating, ensure that the chicken and stuffing are heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. You can easily reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it appears dry. This way, you can enjoy the meal just as much as the first time you prepared it.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider serving your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. The bright flavors of the salad will complement the savory stuffing perfectly, creating a balanced plate that is both satisfying and nutritious.
You can enhance the dish further with a drizzle of homemade gravy or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added freshness. These simple touches elevate the meal and make it feel even more special, whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as necessary.
→ What can I substitute for stuffing mix?
You can use homemade bread cubes mixed with herbs as a substitute.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients the night before and refrigerate, then cook the next day.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free stuffing mix.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Enjoy a comforting and nutritious 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: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box of low-sodium stuffing mix
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Add chopped celery, onion, and mushrooms on top of the chicken in the crockpot.
In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with chicken broth. Stir until combined and pour over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g