Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare dinner that fits into your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than this low carb chicken bake in a crockpot! This recipe is not only simple to throw together, but it also packs a punch when it comes to flavor. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce makes it a family favorite.
Crockpot meals are perfect for busy weeknights, as they require minimal prep time and can be left to cook throughout the day. Plus, with this low carb chicken bake, you won’t have to worry about loading up on carbs. Instead, you’ll be enjoying a hearty dish that aligns with your health goals.
Let’s dive into how to create this satisfying meal that is sure to impress everyone at your dinner table!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Serving Size: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the bell peppers and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In the bottom of the crockpot, place the boneless chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chopped broccoli, bell peppers, and cauliflower on top of the chicken in the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the cream and cheese mixture over the vegetables and chicken in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Once cooked, check that the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. It should easily shred with a fork.
- Before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover again for a few minutes until melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your low carb chicken bake warm!
Why Choose a Low Carb Diet?
Low carb diets have gained popularity for good reason. They can help with weight loss, improve blood sugar control, and increase energy levels. When you reduce your carbohydrate intake, your body starts burning fat for fuel, which can lead to effective weight loss.
Incorporating recipes like this low carb chicken bake in a crockpot into your meal plan can make sticking to a low carb diet much easier. You can enjoy comfort food without the guilt!
Customizing Your Low Carb Chicken Bake
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
– **Vegetable Variations**: Swap out broccoli or cauliflower for zucchini, asparagus, or spinach. Each vegetable brings its own unique flavor and texture.
– **Cheese Options**: While cheddar is delicious, you can also try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites for added flavor.
– **Spice It Up**: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to make this dish your own!
Meal Prep and Storage
This low carb chicken bake is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store leftovers for easy meals throughout the week. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your dish:
– **Refrigeration**: Allow the chicken bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– **Freezing**: If you want to make it ahead of time, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
– **Reheating**: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition Information
This low carb chicken bake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 40g
– Fat: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 6g
– Fiber: 2g
With these stats, you can enjoy a hearty meal without compromising your dietary goals.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
What can I serve with this chicken bake?
This low carb chicken bake pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Conclusion
This low carb chicken bake in a crockpot is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and healthy veggies, it checks all the boxes for flavor and nutrition.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your preferences. Whether you’re following a low carb diet or just looking for a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Get started today and enjoy the wholesome goodness of this low carb chicken bake!
