Lemon-Herb Chicken and Veggie Delight is a wholesome and fulfilling dish that brings together an array of vibrant flavors, textures, and colors. As the chicken simmers in the crockpot, the mouthwatering aroma fills your kitchen, welcoming everyone home with the promise of a cozy dinner. The blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and zesty lemon creates a comforting experience that feels both nourishing and satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make chicken crockpot recipes healthy
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
chicken crockpot recipes healthy

If you’ve ever faced the dilemma of preparing a healthy meal that satisfies everyone’s palate without taking hours in the kitchen, you’re in luck! This chicken crockpot recipe is not just easy to whip up, but it’s also budget-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a gorgeous meal waiting for you when you return home. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, with a cook time of 6-8 hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The tangy lemon and herbs create a deliciously fragrant dish that’s sure to impress.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This colorful mix of veggies makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the belly.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners or meal prep; it tastes even better reheated.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally low in calories and packed with nutrients, perfect for health-conscious eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These cuts ensure tender meat; thighs add extra juiciness.
2 fresh lemons: Use one for juice and slice the other for cooking—bright acidity enhances flavors beautifully.
1 tsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary): A classic trio that adds aromatic depth.
1 lb baby or chopped Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy and versatile, they hold their shape well during cooking.
1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped: Sweetness and color makes this dish visually appealing.
1 medium onion, chopped: Introduces a savory base that enhances overall flavor.
3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a robust and fragrant kick that elevates the dish.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Essential for moisture, it keeps the dish light and healthy.
1 tbsp olive oil: A touch of healthy fat to enrich flavors.
1 tsp salt or to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors; adjust based on preference.
0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste: For a slight heat that complements the lemon.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make chicken crockpot recipes healthy

Pat Dry: Begin by patting the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, helping them sear better if desired, though in a crockpot it isn’t required.

Layer Vegetables: Arrange the chopped onions, carrots, and Yukon gold potatoes in the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a flavorful bed for the chicken while allowing the vegetables to cook perfectly.

Add Chicken: Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. This layering lets the juices run down, enriching the veggies below with flavor.

Whisk Broth Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 3-4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp dried mixed herbs, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. This will be the aromatic essence of your dish.

Pour Over Chicken: Pour the prepared broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well-coated.

Top with Lemons: Place lemon slices on top of the chicken for an added zesty punch during cooking.

Cover & Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking will make the chicken incredibly tender.

Shred Chicken: Once cooked through, remove the lemon slices. Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks or on a cutting board for easy plate serving.

Stir Together: Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.

Garnish & Serve: Before serving, garnish with 2 tbsp of freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you prefer to freeze, transfer the chicken and veggies into a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s sealed tightly; it can last up to 3 months. When reheating, simply pop it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Keep in mind that while flavors will remain, texture may change slightly.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overpacking: Avoid overcrowding the crockpot; it can prevent proper cooking, leading to uneven results.
Tempering Ingredients: Make sure to add all cold ingredients initially; this helps them merge nicely during slow cooking.
Flavor Enhancement: For an extra boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the broth for a delightful twist!
Debone for Texture: If you prefer shredded chicken, shred it in the crockpot while hot, making it more absorbent to the flavorful broth.
Meal Prep Ready: Consider making a double batch to enjoy leftovers for lunch or as a base for quick meals throughout the week.

Lemon-Herb Chicken and Veggie Delight truly shines as a healthy dinner option that checks all the boxes. Its simplicity doesn’t sacrifice flavor nor nutrition, making it ideal for families and meal preppers alike. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or herbs based on what’s in season or to suit your tastes. Enjoy this delightful dish, and may it become a regular in your meal rotation!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to extend the cooking time by an hour or two. Just make sure your crockpot has enough time to fully cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F internally.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans work wonderfully and add a different flavor profile.

How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?

Use homemade chicken broth or a sodium-free broth option to control the salt levels better. You can also skip the added salt completely and season to taste when serving.

What if I don’t have a crockpot?

No worries! You can adapt this recipe for the oven by placing everything in a covered roasting pan and baking at 350°F for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

chicken crockpot recipes healthy

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 375 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This chicken crockpot recipe is a delicious blend of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty lemon, making it the perfect choice for a quick, healthy meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a nourishing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 fresh lemons, one sliced for crockpot, one for juice
1 tsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
1 lb baby or chopped yukon gold potatoes
1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt or to taste
0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels.
Arrange the chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the crockpot.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Pour the prepared broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
Place lemon slices on top of the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the lemon slices, then shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or on a cutting board before returning it to the pot.
Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot.
Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.