13 Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for Easy, Nutritious Dinners

2015-06-09
13 Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for Easy, Nutritious Dinners

Chicken is our all-time favorite blank canvas for dinner. And these healthy slow cooker chicken recipes check all the boxes: lower in calories, higher in protein, and at least a few other good-for-you nutrients like fiber and key vitamins or minerals. So whatever your health goals are (lose weight, eat healthier, cook more at home), we have you covered with these slow cooker chicken soups, stews, one-dish dinners, and even a few salads.

01 of 13

Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken

This chicken slow cooker recipe, healthy and easy to make, is one of our most popular. Combine the ingredients in your slow cooker before you go to work. You'll come home to a kitchen filled with a welcoming spicy aroma. Fiber-packed dried plums add a hint of good-for-you sweetness.

02 of 13

New Potato-Chicken Soup

Instead of high-calorie croutons, this low-calorie slow cooker chicken soup recipe is adorned with caramelized shallots. It gets its fill-you-up heft from potatoes, not heavy cream.

03 of 13

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin

Coq au vin, the traditional French meal made with wine-braised chicken and mushrooms, can be both quick and healthy with a few ingredient upgrades and a slow cooker. The secret is to use a beef onion soup mix to flavor the protein. Once cooked, pile the chicken onto a small scoop of garlic mashed potatoes for a healthy slow cooker chicken recipe with 42 grams of protein.

04 of 13

Greek Oregano Chicken with Spinach, Orzo, and Grape Tomatoes

If your favorite jar of salsa came in soup form, it would taste like this. Protein- and fiber-filled, this healthy slow cooker soup clocks in around 414 calories. Poach the chicken breasts in this slow cooker soup, then just shred, top with sour cream, and grab a spoon.

05 of 13

Tomatillo Chicken Soup

If your favorite jar of salsa came to life in soup form, it would taste like this. Protein- and fiber-filled, this healthy slow cooker soup clocks in right around 250 calories. Poach the chicken breasts right in this slow cooker soup, then just shred, top with sour cream, and grab a spoon.

06 of 13

French Chicken Stew

This low-calorie slow cooker chicken stew is packed with veggies and is oh-so-easy to make. The hardest part will be waiting for it to finish cooking.

07 of 13

Mango Chicken Tinga

Juicy cubes of fresh mango balance the fire-roasted chipotle sauce that flavors this low-calorie chicken slow cooker healthy recipe, a healthy meal made with juicy thighs. Served on a bed of rice, the 300-calorie Mexican slow cooker dinner recipe will become a family favorite.

08 of 13

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creamy without any actual cream, each serving of this slow cooker chicken noodle soup is under 200 calories. Our version is a time-tested comfort food favorite and takes just 25 minutes of prep. For a slightly more indulgent version, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

09 of 13

Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Stew

One of our most popular recipes on Pinterest in 2021, this chicken slow cooker recipe, healthy and low calorie, transforms ordinary chicken into a savory Indian dinner. Combine a dash of curry powder, cayenne pepper, and ground ginger spices with chicken thighs, garbanzo beans, and tomato in your slow cooker for a 300-calorie dinner bursting with flavor.

10 of 13

Kickin' Chicken Chili

This healthy slow cooker chicken chili clocks in at just over 300 calories, but it's packed with satisfying protein (about 80% of your daily target). The recipe serves four and still gives you leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner another day.

11 of 13

Greek Chicken with Cucumber Salad

This low-calorie, high-protein slow cooker chicken recipe is fresh, effortless, and can help support weight loss efforts. We keep the ingredients light with cucumber, mint, and a lemon-herb rub, then layer in healthy creaminess via fat-free Greek yogurt.

12 of 13

Italian Braised Chicken with Fennel and Cannellini

Cannellini beans and fresh-cut fennel add a nice fiber punch to this already healthy slow cooker chicken recipe. Diced tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and onion combine in a tasty sauce that blankets the tender chicken drumsticks and thighs.

13 of 13

Red Bean, Chicken, and Sweet Potato Stew

Vitamin-rich sweet potatoes and creamy peanut butter complement the spicy Cajun seasoning flavoring this chicken and red bean stew. This reader-favorite slow cooker recipe is loaded with protein and requires just 20 minutes of prep.

Related Article

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Few desserts elicit the oohs and ahhs that molten cakes do, which makes them a natural pick for special dinners. Feel free to use semi-sweet baking chocolate in place of the bittersweet chocolate if that's the variety you have on hand.
13 Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Belong on Your Game-Day Menu

13 Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Belong on Your Game-Day Menu

Any game-day party will be tastier with these crowd-pleasing appetizer dips, whether you decide to serve up indulgent buffalo chicken dip or a healthier spinach dip recipe.
Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

A green, yellow, or red sweet pepper shell makes a fun serving bowl for this low-fat cottage cheese dill dip.
4 Mouthwatering Bratwurst Recipe Ideas for Your Next Cookout

4 Mouthwatering Bratwurst Recipe Ideas for Your Next Cookout

These creative bratwurst recipe ideas use clever combinations of veggies, sauces, and other toppings for a memorable backyard barbecue.
Greek Flatbreads

Greek Flatbreads

This easy Mediterranean flatbread recipe is topped with lots of fresh veggies and herbs. Great for a quick dinner, this Mediterranean recipe can be ready in just 35 minutes.
27 Make-Ahead Game-Day Recipes That Will Make You the MVP

27 Make-Ahead Game-Day Recipes That Will Make You the MVP

When you need game-day recipes that are ready when you are, use these make-ahead football food ideas. The dishes here are our top football recipes.
Garden Stir-Fry

Garden Stir-Fry

Grab all your extra garden veggies and use them up in this easy stir-fry recipe. Cauliflower, green beans, summer squash, and sweet peppers are all welcome, and you can mix up the veggie combo you use each time depending on what you have on hand.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Homemade Dinners

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Homemade Dinners

Not sure what to serve for dinner tonight? With these easy 5-ingredient slow cooker recipes, a delicious, hearty meal is easy to prepare.
Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather
The Best Types of Red Wine and How to Serve Them

The Best Types of Red Wine and How to Serve Them

This red wine guide shares the best types of red wine and how to serve them. Plus, the best red wine glasses to use for aroma and flavor enjoyment.
Hibiscus Tea Is the Perfect Summertime Drink

Hibiscus Tea Is the Perfect Summertime Drink

Agua Fresca de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea) is a tangy, refreshing drink that's made with dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and lime juice. Read on for everything you need to know about the benefits of hibiscus tea and how to make it.
How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

If you're wondering how to cook eggplant, keep reading. On the grill, roasted, sautéed, and—yes—even in the microwave, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious.
We Tried the TikTok-Famous Million Layer Potatoes, And They're Delicious

We Tried the TikTok-Famous Million Layer Potatoes, And They're Delicious

We put the TikTok-famous million layer potato recipe to the test. Get our take on the stacked potato recipe, including the most delicious homemade spicy aioli for dipping.
13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

These slow cooker brunch recipes work, whether it's a hectic weekday or a calm Sunday. The easy prep and delicious results will make everyone happy.
14 Easy Pasta Side Dishes to Pair With Your Favorite Proteins

14 Easy Pasta Side Dishes to Pair With Your Favorite Proteins

These pasta side dishes might outshine the main. Whether you flip for farfalle, go wild for gnocchi, or prefer your noodles in soup, you’ll find new and classic pasta side dish recipe ideas in this guide. Add these easy pasta side dishes to your menu alongside protein and you have a quick and well-balanced meal.
This Sautéed Zucchini Recipe Is the Best Way to Use Up Your Bounty

This Sautéed Zucchini Recipe Is the Best Way to Use Up Your Bounty

Although it's available year-round, the best time to enjoy zucchini is during the summer. Here's how to make quick sautéed zucchini, one of our favorite summer side dishes.
Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Rich with vitamins and minerals, this savory side dish is packed with flavor, enhanced beautifully by the roasting process. Rosemary and garlic lend their aromatic essence, while a hearty blend of chickpeas, twin potatoes and carrots ensures that this vegetarian delight will satisfy. Rinse chickpeas well to remove excess salt.
Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers
Pesto Chicken and Radicchio Skewers

Pesto Chicken and Radicchio Skewers

Chicken marinates in a citrus-basil pesto before sharing stick space with purple radicchio.
Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Put a bumper crop of zucchini to use in this fresh spin on a crostini appetizer recipe.