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!
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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!