10+ Healthy Dinner Crockpot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

10+ Healthy Dinner Crockpot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When it comes to preparing dinner, finding healthy and easy recipes can be a challenge. Many people look for ways to make nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Healthy dinner crockpot recipes offer a perfect solution for busy individuals and families who want to enjoy tasty meals without the hassle.

A crockpot filled with colorful vegetables and lean protein simmering in a savory broth, surrounded by fresh herbs and spices

Using a slow cooker allows you to blend flavors and ingredients while you go about your day. With minimal prep time and simple cooking methods, you can create wholesome meals that everyone will love.

These recipes let you spend less time cooking while still providing delicious options that support your health goals.

Slow Cooked Moroccan Chicken

A crockpot filled with fragrant Moroccan chicken, surrounded by vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. This dish is packed with flavors and is easy to prepare. You just need to combine simple ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.

You can use chicken thighs, which stay juicy during cooking. Start by seasoning the chicken with spices like cumin and paprika. Adding vegetables like carrots and bell peppers enhances both taste and nutrition.

Simply place everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing as this dish cooks.

The result will be tender chicken that pairs well with couscous or a fresh salad. Enjoy this healthy meal with family and friends!

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and bell pepper.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth.
  4. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Crockpot Vegetarian Chili

A bubbling crockpot filled with colorful vegetables, beans, and spices, emitting a savory aroma

Crockpot vegetarian chili is a hearty and satisfying meal. You can easily prepare it with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something healthy without much effort.

Start by chopping your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. You can add beans for protein and fiber too. Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it simmer.

Cook on low for about 7 hours (around 65°C) or high for about 3 to 4 hours (around 85°C). Near the end, adding corn brightens the dish and gives it a nice texture. A squeeze of lime juice before serving adds a fresh flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Chop all the vegetables and prepare the beans.
  2. Place the chopped vegetables, beans, and tomatoes into the crockpot.
  3. Add garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
  6. Add corn in the last hour of cooking.
  7. Serve warm with a squeeze of lime juice.

3) Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs simmer in a crockpot with honey and garlic, surrounded by colorful vegetables and herbs

Honey garlic chicken thighs are a delicious and easy dinner option for your crockpot. This dish combines sweet and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy.

To make this recipe, you will use chicken thighs, which become tender in the slow cooker. The sauce includes honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare.

You can serve this meal with rice or vegetables for a complete dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, letting you enjoy a tasty meal without much effort.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs in your crockpot.
  2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Beef Stroganoff

A crockpot filled with creamy Beef Stroganoff surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs on a rustic kitchen counter

Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare. You can have tender beef and rich flavors without spending all day in the kitchen.

To start, you’ll need beef, mushrooms, onions, and your choice of stock. Egg noodles make a great addition, soaking up the creamy sauce.

Cooking in the slow cooker allows the flavors to blend wonderfully. You can set it and forget it while you go about your day.

This meal is not just tasty; it’s also versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) beef, diced
  • 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, thick-cut
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef stock
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the beef in the slow cooker.
  2. Add mushrooms and onion on top.
  3. Pour in beef stock and add garlic.
  4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours (about 175-185°F or 80-85°C).
  5. Stir in sour cream before serving.
  6. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

5) Lemon Herb Chicken

A crockpot filled with lemon herb chicken, surrounded by fresh herbs and sliced lemons, steaming and ready to serve

Lemon Herb Chicken is a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. You can make it in your crockpot with just a few simple ingredients. This dish is bright and tangy, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Start with fresh chicken and season it well. You’ll want to use lemon juice, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful dish. It’s easy to prepare and requires very little hands-on time.

As it slow cooks, the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors. You can serve it with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried herbs (like thyme and rosemary)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the chicken breasts.
  2. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place chicken in the crockpot and pour the mixture over it.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 145°F to 65°C) or until the chicken is tender.

6) Spicy Thai Chicken Curry

A crockpot simmering with vibrant Thai chicken curry, surrounded by colorful vegetables and aromatic spices

Spicy Thai chicken curry is a delicious meal that you can easily make in your crockpot. It combines tender chicken with vibrant flavors from Thai curry paste and creamy coconut milk.

To start, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Add in some chopped bell peppers and onions for color and crunch. The mix of spices makes each bite exciting.

This curry cooks low and slow, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. In about 4-6 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high, 175°C to 190°C), you’ll have a hearty dish ready to enjoy.

Serve it with basmati rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the tasty sauce. You can even add fresh cilantro on top for a pop of freshness.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) chicken thighs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons Thai curry paste
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of your crockpot.
  2. Add the chicken thighs and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Mix in the curry paste and coconut milk.
  4. Add the chopped bell pepper on top.
  5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Serve with rice and enjoy!

7) Creamy Tuscan Chicken

A crockpot simmering with creamy Tuscan chicken surrounded by fresh herbs and vegetables

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. This dish combines tender chicken with flavorful ingredients like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfect for a cozy evening.

To make this dish, you can use a mix of cream and seasonings. It results in a rich sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. You can make it in your crockpot for a hassle-free meal that cooks while you go about your day.

Using simple ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy a tasty dinner without too much effort. Plus, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, making it easy to enjoy again.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup spinach (fresh)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
  2. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic on top.
  4. Pour the heavy cream over the chicken.
  5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours (160°F to 175°F or 71°C to 80°C) or on high for 3-4 hours.

8) Minestrone Soup

A bubbling crockpot filled with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta, emitting a savory aroma

Minestrone soup is a healthy and hearty option for dinner. It’s packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it both nutritious and filling. The soup is easy to prepare in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a cozy meal without much effort.

To start, gather fresh ingredients like carrots, celery, green beans, and tomatoes. You can also add some Italian seasoning for flavor. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand.

Set your slow cooker on low heat. Then, combine all the ingredients with vegetable broth and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

Ingredients

  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup small pasta (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients except pasta to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour in the vegetable broth.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  5. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking if desired.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

9) Stuffed Bell Peppers

A crockpot filled with colorful stuffed bell peppers, surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs on a wooden kitchen counter

Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and healthy option for dinner. You can fill them with a mix of ground turkey, rice, and veggies. They cook perfectly in the crockpot, making it easy for you to prepare a meal with little effort.

To make your stuffed peppers, choose fresh bell peppers in colors like red, green, or yellow. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Then, mix cooked rice, ground meat, and your favorite seasonings for the filling.

Place the stuffed peppers in the crockpot and pour in some crushed tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The result is a tasty dish that your family will love.

Ingredients

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • Seasoned salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
  2. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, cooked rice, onion, basil, and seasoned salt.
  3. Stuff the mixture into the peppers.
  4. Place the peppers in your crockpot with crushed tomatoes.
  5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until peppers are tender.

10) Chicken Fajita Soup

A colorful crockpot filled with simmering chicken fajita soup surrounded by fresh vegetables and spices

Chicken Fajita Soup is a fantastic dish for your crockpot. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll enjoy the taste of fajitas in a warm, comforting soup.

To start, you need chicken, bell peppers, and onions. These ingredients create a tasty base. Spices like cumin and chili powder add just the right kick.

You can customize this soup to your liking. Adding black beans and corn makes it even heartier. Top with fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

This meal is perfect for busy nights. Set your crockpot on low and let it cook. In a few hours, you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers.
  3. Mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
  4. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the top.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (around 75–85 degrees Celsius).
  7. Before serving, shred the chicken in the soup.

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