Mediterranean Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean without the airfare? Are you after healthy crockpot chicken recipes? This Mediterranean Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken is exactly what you need! It's bursting with zingy lemon and fragrant herbs.
Brief Overview
This slow cooker chicken healthy recipe takes inspiration from sunny Greece. It’s super easy, just chop and drop. It's ready in 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high and serves six hungry folks!
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein, vitamins, and flavor! It's a great choice for crockpot chicken recipes for weight loss and a tasty, easy healthy crockpot meal .
This Mediterranean crockpot chicken breast recipe healthy is really special because it is simple, delicious, and feels like a proper treat, but you know it's slow cooker chicken mediterranean diet friendly.
Looking to Spice Up Dinner?
Let's talk about ingredients!
The Magic Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken: Get 1.5lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Veggies: A large chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped red bell pepper. You'll also need 1 can of diced tomatoes and half a cup of halved Kalamata olives.
- Herbs and Spices: 2 tablespoons each of fresh oregano and thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. Of course, salt and pepper to taste.
- Liquids: Half a cup of low-sodium chicken broth and a quarter cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving.
This healthy Greek chicken crockpot is great for a quick midweek meal. Plus, you can adapt it easily to what you have in the fridge.
I once added a tin of chickpeas and it was amazing. It's also very versatile. Serve it with couscous, or a fresh salad.
Trust me, you'll love it. It's a fantastic way to add flavor to your crockpot chicken and vegetables healthy plan.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this amazing Mediterranean Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken. Trust me, it's easier than figuring out what to watch on Netflix! This is one of those easy healthy crockpot meals that everyone will love.
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you wanna make some healthy crockpot chicken recipes ? Let's get down to the nitty gritty. This Mediterranean chicken recipe crockpot wonder is all about fresh flavours.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs / 680g (that's about 6 boneless, skinless ones). Get good quality chicken you can taste the difference! I always try to buy free range if I can. It's worth the extra quid.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (around 1 cup / 150g ). Go for a nice, firm onion. None of that soggy stuff.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 1 tsp / 3g ). Fresh is best here. The pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same punch.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , seeded and chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g ). A vibrant red one looks best, but any colour works.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can , undrained. Don't drain 'em! You want all that lovely juice.
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup / 75g , pitted and halved. These give that authentic Greek flavour.
- Fresh Oregano: 2 tablespoons , chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried). Fresh herbs make a world of difference, honestly.
- Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons , chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried). Same goes for thyme!
- Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon , crushed. Just a little rosemary goes a long way.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). Only if you fancy a bit of a kick!
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup / 120ml (low sodium preferred). Low sodium helps keep it healthy .
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup / 60ml , freshly squeezed. Bottle stuff just doesn’t cut it, trust me.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy! Season it well.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish. Because it looks pretty.
- Lemon Wedges: For serving. A little extra zing.
This is essentially a healthy Greek chicken crockpot situation. This is perfect for crockpot chicken recipes for weight loss due to the lean protein and veggies.
I remember when I first tried to make this, I forgot the lemon juice. The whole thing was just...flat.
Don't be like me!
Seasoning Notes
This lemon herb chicken slow cooker recipe relies on a few key spice combos. The oregano, thyme, and rosemary are essential.
They give that classic Mediterranean taste. If you want a bit more depth, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
It's a game changer.
For a quick sub, dried herbs work fine. Just use half the amount.
Equipment Needed
You really don't need much! This is the beauty of slow cooker chicken healthy .
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (or larger) is ideal. I have a trusty old one that’s been going for years.
- Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: For chopping. Obvs.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Gotta get those measurements right!
- Lemon Juicer: Optional, but makes life easier.
Mediterranean Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken: Your New Fave!
Alright, let's get cooking! Looking for healthy crockpot chicken recipes ? This Mediterranean chicken recipe crockpot is about to become your weeknight hero.
Honestly, who doesn't love a slow cooker chicken healthy meal that practically cooks itself? It's so easy, it's almost criminal.
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic
First things first, chop your veggies. One large yellow onion, two cloves of garlic, and one red bell pepper. Sounds a lot, but it's worth it! Get those six boneless, skinless chicken breasts ready too.
Trim any excess fat. Don't forget 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives . I learned the hard way: pitted olives are your friend.
No one wants to spit out olive pits at dinner! Measure out your herbs: two tablespoons of oregano and thyme , plus one teaspoon of rosemary .
Slow Cooker Chicken Healthy: The step-by-step Guide
- Grease that crockpot. We don't want any sticking situations.
- Pile in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. It's like creating a delicious veggie bed for the chicken.
- Nestle those chicken breasts on top.
- Whisk together 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of lemon juice .
- Pour that zesty mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle with 14.5oz of diced tomatoes (undrained) , olives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Salt and pepper to taste!
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The magic number is 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- Shred the chicken with two forks right in the crockpot if you fancy. It's so tender, it practically falls apart.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve it hot!
Pro Tips for Crockpot Champions
Want to elevate your easy healthy crockpot meals ? Sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Honestly, this lemon herb chicken slow cooker trick adds so much flavour and color.
Also, don't overcook! Overcooked chicken is the enemy of deliciousness. If you are using fresh tomatoes, be sure to remove skin first and consider searing prior to adding to the crock pot to release the flavor!
This healthy Greek chicken crockpot is fantastic served over quinoa or couscous. It's also a great option for crockpot chicken recipes for weight loss because it's packed with protein and flavour without being loaded with calories.
Also, this crockpot chicken breast recipe healthy can easily be turned into crockpot chicken and vegetables healthy by adding broccoli or spinach during the last 30 minutes.
This dish makes for a perfect slow cooker chicken Mediterranean diet meal!
So there you have it! My go-to for a quick, flavorful, and one pot healthy chicken recipes . Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Mediterranean Crockpot Masterpiece
Okay, so you're ready to dive into this Mediterranean lemon herb crockpot chicken recipe. Ace! Before you start chopping those veggies, let’s chat about a few things to make sure it's a proper success.
This isn't just another crockpot chicken breast recipe healthy ; it's a flavor journey!
Serving It Up Like a Pro
Right, so you've got this amazing smelling slow cooker chicken healthy . How do you make it look as good as it tastes?
Plating and Presentation: Think vibrant colours! I love serving this over a bed of fluffy quinoa. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon are essential.
It just screams, "Eat me!"
Complementary Sides: Honestly, this dish is fantastic with a simple Greek salad. Think juicy tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and a generous chunk of feta.
A side of warm pita bread is always welcome for soaking up that delicious sauce. If you’re trying out crockpot chicken recipes for weight loss , maybe go lighter on the pita.
Storage Savvy
Life happens, right? Sometimes you end up with leftovers. Here's the lowdown on how to store this easy healthy crockpot meals properly.
Refrigeration: This lemon herb chicken slow cooker will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah?
Freezing Options: Good news! You can freeze this. Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions: Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, you can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even back in the crockpot.
Just make sure it's piping hot all the way through .
Variations: Make It Your Own!
This healthy Greek chicken crockpot is super versatile. Feel free to play around with it!
Dietary Adaptations: Need a dairy-free version? Easy peasy! Just skip the Greek yogurt suggestion. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of quinoa or pasta.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, try adding some grilled zucchini or yellow squash. In the winter, some roasted butternut squash would be delicious.
Nutrition Notes
Let's keep it simple, yeah? This crockpot chicken and vegetables healthy is packed with protein and fiber. It's a great source of vitamins and minerals from the veggies.
The healthy fats from the olives are great for your heart. This slow cooker chicken mediterranean diet recipe is all about balance and flavour.
I reckon this should become one of your favourite one pot healthy chicken recipes . So give it a whirl, have some fun, and don't be afraid to experiment! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Mediterranean Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken recipe actually healthy? It sounds too good to be true!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be both delicious and nutritious. It's packed with lean protein from the chicken, plenty of vegetables, and healthy fats from the olives. Plus, using low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the sodium levels in check, making it a winner on the "healthy" front.
It's like having your cake and eating it too without the guilt!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this healthy crockpot chicken recipe?
While it's generally recommended to thaw chicken before slow cooking for food safety and even cooking, using frozen chicken breasts is not advisable due to food safety concerns. Slow cookers cook at lower temperatures, so the chicken may spend too long in the "danger zone" where bacteria thrive.
For a truly healthy and safe meal, take the time to thaw your chicken properly in the fridge overnight.
I'm not a fan of olives. What can I substitute for them in this recipe?
No worries, mate! If olives aren't your cup of tea, you can easily leave them out altogether. Alternatively, you could substitute them with capers for a similar salty, briny flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes also work well, adding a concentrated sweetness and chewiness to the dish. It's all about making it your own!
How long does this healthy crockpot chicken recipe last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Cooked chicken will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for meal prepping! As for freezing, it freezes beautifully. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out in the crockpot?
That's a good shout! To prevent dry chicken, ensure there's enough liquid in the crockpot. If you're worried, you can add a splash more chicken broth or lemon juice. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this releases heat and moisture. Also, don't overcook it!
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the chicken when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I add other veggies to this healthy crockpot chicken recipe?
Absolutely, be my guest! Feel free to chuck in other Mediterranean friendly vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or artichoke hearts. For firmer veggies, add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy. This will ramp up the health benefits and the flavour no problem!
Mediterranean Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |