Low Calorie Chicken Recipes Crockpot

So you’re craving something tasty, comforting, and packed with flavor, but the mere thought of spending an hour slaving away in the kitchen makes you want to order takeout? And oh, it also needs to be low-calorie? Pfft, almost asking for too much… almost. 😉

Fear not, my friend! I’ve got the ultimate secret weapon for you: the crockpot. That magical countertop device that basically cooks dinner while you binge-watch your favorite show, conquer the world (or your inbox), or just, you know, exist. Get ready for a ridiculously easy, low-cal chicken recipe that’ll make your taste buds sing and your waistline stay happy.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, life is complicated enough without your dinner plans adding to the drama. This crockpot chicken recipe is your new best friend because:

• It’s **idiot-proof**. Seriously, if I can make it without setting off the smoke detector, so can you.
• It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal. Dump ingredients in, press a button, walk away. Come back to deliciousness. **No hovering required!**
• **Low-calorie? Check!** We’re talking lean protein and veggies, folks. Guilt-free indulgence, that’s what we like.
• Versatility is its middle name. You can tweak it to your heart’s content, but we’ll get to that later.
• The aroma filling your kitchen all day? Pure bliss. Your neighbors might even get jealous.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, gather ’round, ingredient wranglers! Here’s what you’ll need for this culinary masterpiece (that practically makes itself):

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean, mean, protein machine. Or thighs, if you’re feeling a little rebellious and don’t mind a *smidge* more fat.
• 1 large Onion: Chopped. Because what’s a good slow cooker meal without some aromatic magic?
• 2-3 Carrots: Chopped. For a pop of color and some natural sweetness.
• 2 Celery Stalks: Chopped. The unsung hero of many a hearty dish.
• 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Our liquid gold. Adds flavor without all the extra salt.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s a non-negotiable IMO.
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Earthy goodness!
• 1 tsp Paprika: For that smoky, warm hug of flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Or to taste.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best, just sayin’.
• Optional: 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water): If you like your sauce a little thicker, this is your secret weapon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

You ready? This is where the “difficult” part comes in. (Just kidding, it’s still ridiculously easy.)

1. **Prep the Veggies:** Grab your chopping board and a sharp knife. Dice up your onion, carrots, and celery. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic chunks are perfectly fine here. Mince that garlic too!
2. **Load it Up:** Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Think of it as laying the foundation for deliciousness.
3. **Add the Good Stuff:** Sprinkle the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic over the chicken.
4. **Season Like a Pro:** Evenly sprinkle the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper over everything in the crockpot. Don’t be shy; get all those flavors in there!
5. **Pour in the Broth:** Carefully pour the low-sodium chicken broth over all the ingredients. Make sure everything is mostly submerged.
6. **Set it and Forget it!** Put the lid on your crockpot. Cook on **low for 6-8 hours** or on **high for 3-4 hours**. The chicken is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds.
7. **Thicken (Optional):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and shred it. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the hot broth in the crockpot. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
8. **Shred and Serve:** Take out the chicken and shred it with two forks (it should fall apart effortlessly). Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stir it into the sauce and veggies. Serve hot! It’s fantastic over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is super chill, there are a few rookie errors that can derail your delicious journey. Learn from my past culinary blunders!

• **Opening the Lid Too Much:** I get it, the smell is tempting. But every time you lift that lid, you lose heat, and your cooking time extends. **Patience, grasshopper!**
• **Overfilling Your Crockpot:** Your slow cooker isn’t a bottomless pit. Fill it about two-thirds full to ensure even cooking and prevent spills.
• **Not Seasoning Enough:** Bland food is a crime. Taste your broth before the thickening step and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Don’t be afraid to add a little more oomph!
• **Using High-Sodium Broth:** You’re aiming for low-cal and healthy, right? High-sodium broth will negate some of that goodness and might make your dish too salty. **Always go low-sodium.**

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary whims. Here are some ideas:

• **Veggies Galore:** Add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even some spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on the liquid level.
• **Spice it Up:** For a kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• **Herbs:** Rosemary or oregano would also be fantastic additions to the herb lineup. Use fresh herbs at the end for a brighter flavor burst!
• **Different Liquid:** You could swap some of the chicken broth for a can of diced tomatoes (undrained) for a more robust, slightly tangy flavor.
• **Swap the Protein:** While this is a chicken recipe, you could use turkey breast for a similar low-cal profile.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I probably asked them myself at some point. Here are some quick answers!

• **Can I use frozen chicken breasts?** Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure they aren’t stuck together, and **FYI**, they might add an extra hour or two to the cooking time, especially on low.
• **How long does this last in the fridge?** Generally, it’s good for **3-4 days** in an airtight container. It’s also freezer-friendly for up to 3 months!
• **Is it really low calorie?** Yup! With lean chicken breast and tons of veggies, this recipe keeps calories down while delivering big flavor. Just watch your portion sizes!
• **What size crockpot do I need?** A **4-6 quart crockpot** is perfect for this recipe. If you have a smaller one, you might need to adjust the quantities slightly.
• **What if it’s too watery?** If you skipped the cornstarch and find your sauce a bit thin, you can ladle out some of the liquid, bring it to a simmer in a small saucepan, and then add your cornstarch slurry to thicken it there before returning it to the crockpot.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! A low-calorie, hands-off chicken dinner that’s so easy, it practically makes itself. You just mastered the art of “lazy gourmet.” So go ahead, pat yourself on the back, you kitchen wizard! You’ve officially conquered dinner without breaking a sweat (or your calorie budget).

Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!