Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
A wholesome and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with savory stuffing, all made effortlessly in your crockpot.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a perfect blend of convenience and nutrition. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both satisfying and healthy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
- Savory stuffing that complements the chicken perfectly
- Minimal prep time for a hearty meal
The Benefits of Using a Crockpot
Crockpots are a game changer for busy individuals and families seeking healthy meals without the fuss. These slow-cookers allow you to prepare meals in advance, letting you enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner after a long day. With the ability to set it and forget it, crockpots simplify meal preparation, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in tender meats and richly flavored dishes.
Using a crockpot also encourages healthier eating habits. By cooking at home, you can control the ingredients, opting for whole foods and avoiding preservatives commonly found in processed meals. This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a prime example, featuring wholesome ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your taste buds.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for meal prepping. You can double the ingredients and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Simply store individual portions in airtight containers, and you’ll have a nutritious lunch or dinner ready to go. The flavors continue to develop even after cooking, making it a delightful dish to reheat.
Meal prepping with this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing ensures you have a balanced meal at your fingertips. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, and you have a complete, healthful dinner that requires minimal effort to prepare.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of this crockpot recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the stuffing mix by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables. Chopped carrots or bell peppers can add a pop of color and additional nutrition. You can even swap the whole wheat stuffing for gluten-free options or use quinoa for a unique twist.
Additionally, consider enhancing the dish by incorporating different proteins. While chicken is the star here, turkey or even a plant-based protein can work beautifully, offering a different flavor profile. This makes it easy to adapt the recipe to fit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box (12 oz) whole wheat stuffing mix
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Add the Vegetables
Top the chicken with diced celery and onion.
Mix the Stuffing
In a bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth. Stir well and pour over the chicken and vegetables.
Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Serve
Shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together before serving.
Nutritional Information
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. Each serving provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The use of whole wheat stuffing and fresh vegetables contributes to its nutritional value, ensuring you feel good about what you’re eating.
With low-sodium chicken broth and minimal added salt, this recipe keeps sodium levels in check, making it heart-healthy. The inclusion of chicken breast provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health, while vegetables like celery and onion add fiber and vitamins.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F to enjoy the best quality and taste.
For a quick reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them on the stovetop. If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This dish holds up well and tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld together during storage.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require additional cooking time.
→ Can I substitute the stuffing mix?
Absolutely! You can use homemade stuffing or other bread alternatives.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure the broth is gluten-free as well.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
A wholesome and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with savory stuffing, all made effortlessly in your crockpot.
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 (12 oz) whole wheat stuffing mix
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Top the chicken with diced celery and onion.
In a bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth. Stir well and pour over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g