6 delicious healthy recipes for the slow cooker

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It’s often more than easy to overlook the healthy qualities of our recipes—especially when it comes to slow cookers. There’s no shame in that, it’s just a fact of life that everything tastes better with butter, some butter, and just a hint of butter. Oh, and some more butter. (And did we mention butter?). All jokes aside, whether it be salty, sweet, starchy, rich or buttery; sometimes our favorite flavor profiles are really the ones that we need to take a little break from!
Without sacrificing flavor for quality, we’ve found that these 6 fantastic healthy slow cooker recipes are just what the doctor ordered! The trick to healthy, delicious eating is to source ingredients that have natural characteristics of the flavors that you crave. For example, when chicken is cooked, it produces its own wondrous fatty juices that could put butter to shame! Capers are a great, natural salty component to a dish, while super grains such a quinoa can provide you with more nutrients than standard rice (while still managing to satisfy your carb-cravings). Try these 6 stunning healthy slow cooker recipes and see for yourself!
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1. MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN
This recipe for Mediterranean Chicken from Fit Slow Cooker Queen is not only healthy and delicious, but it’s one of those recipes where you can just throw everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cherry tomatoes and garbanzo beans add a wonderful depth and richness to this feisty dish whilst absorbing all of the fantastic flavors of the chicken and spices. This is a recipe that is definitely not to be missed!
Get the full recipe here.
2. CREAMY CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN
This is a fantastic example of how a little bit of richness can really go a long way. This recipe for Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken from The Recipe Critic is full of tangy citrus, herbs and spices. The addition of a ½ cup of heavy cream brings this dish into a whole new realm and adds a heartiness to it without weighing it down with fat. Packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for either a light lunch or a dreamy dinner.
Alyssa gives a wonderful tip for her recipe, “Pan searing the chicken with the spices is just one extra step and so worth it. It takes only a few minutes. It seals in the flavor and creates a crisp edge while the inside of the chicken is tender and juicy. You throw it in the slow cooker with just a few ingredients and let is slow cook to perfection!”
Get the full recipe here.
3. MAPLE DIJON CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Chicken thighs tend to be one of the juicier cuts of chicken and are ideal for making in your slow cooker. This recipe for Maple Dijon Chicken and Broccoli from Damn Delicious calls for chicken thighs, maple syrup, mustard, red wine vinegar and orange zest to create a mouthwatering sauce for this stunning dinner. 
There is also the option to substitute the maple syrup for honey if you have it on hand, which will certainly be just as delicious, but bear in mind that honey contains 40% more sugar than pure maple syrup.
Get the full recipe here.
4. TUSCAN CHICKEN STEW
This fabulous recipe for Tuscan Chicken Stew from Sweet Peas and Saffron is loaded with delicious savory vegetables that are brought to life by fennel seeds, rosemary, and a splash of balsamic. Wonderful flavors combine to make this wholesome healthy stew that is perfect for dinner with the family. This is also a fantastic recipe if you’re looking to use up any delicious vegetables all at once—feel free to throw them in and reap the rewards!
Get the full recipe here.
5. ENCHILADA QUINOA
Quinoa is a grain not dissimilar to rice—but with a deeper, almost nutty flavor profile that lends itself to herbaceous meals. It has been recognized as one of the world’s healthiest foods, and lucky for us—it’s also one of the most delicious! This unbelievably scrumptious recipe for Enchilada Quinoa from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen is satisfying on every level. Chicken, cheese, beans, corn and spices are really all it takes to produce this incredibly filling dinner that leaves no aftertaste of guilt. This is a great dish for the summer especially, as the flavors are as bright and as fresh as we’ve ever tried!
Get the full recipe here.
6. ROASTED RED PEPPER CHICKEN CHILI
This playful take on a classic chili is not only healthy—it’s an absolute revelation. In this fantastic recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Chili from A Spicy Perspective, tender pulled chicken perfectly pairs with sharp roasted peppers and hearty red kidney beans to produce a meal so delicious that you would be well-advised to make enough for second (and third) helpings!
Get the full recipe here.
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There’s never any need to sacrifice delicious flavor when it comes to healthy eating—see for yourself with these 6 fabulously healthy slow cooker recipes and be sure to SHARE them with your friends!
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