20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (2024)

Got a slow cooker at home? Make these healthy crockpot recipes that are super easy to make, full of nutrition and flavors! Super easy, yet healthy and yummy!

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (1)

Eating healthy is important. But let’s face it: it can cost you time and money.

And when you’re short on time (or money), it’s easier to fall back into bad habits.

That’s where Healthy Crockpot Recipes come in handy. Often, you just dump your ingredients in your slow cooker and go.

Then you go about your day and come back – to a home-cooked meal.

Crockpot recipes also save you money. That’s because you have tons of home-cooked meals on the ready.

So, you’re less likely to order takeout.

What’s more, crockpots are great for cooking less expensive cuts of meat. They’re also good for cooking budget-friendly plant-based proteins like beans from scratch.

So, today I’m sharing 20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes. They will save you time and money.

Don’t have a Crockpot yet? I recommend this one here as it can handle large volumes of food. It also has a programmable timer, so it stops cooking once your food is done. And it automatically keeps your food warm once it’s done cooking.

1. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (2)

Source: vikalinka.com

Are you feeling under the weather? This Slow Cooker Thai Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is exactly what the doctor ordered.

It’s full of yummy Thai flavors. The mushrooms add umami, while the red curry paste adds some warmth.

And the wild rice adds some bite. Canned chicken noodle soup has nothing on this!

And the celery and kale add freshness.

This soup is also pretty healthy too. It is chock full of Vitamins A and C, which boost your immunity.

Now that’s what I’m talking about.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 241
  • Fats: 5g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbs: 29g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 7g

2. Slow Cooker Italian Beef Stew

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (3)

Source: vikalinka.com

Looking for a beef stew that you don’t need to babysit? This is it.

Just dump your ingredients in the slow cooker and go. No browning of your meat is required.

And it tastes delicious. Tender, juicy stewed beef is flanked by carrots, artichoke hearts, and tomatoes.

So you’re getting veggies too. And the cannellini beans make it extra hearty.

Besides being rich in protein, cannellini beans are rich in fiber. So, they’re good for your digestion.

They also contain phosphorus, magnesium, and even calcium. So, they’re good for your bones.

Now, this dish does contain beef, which has a relatively high carbon footprint. So, you may want to have this stew less often.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 424
  • Fats: 13g
  • Protein: 55g
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 5g

3. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (4)

Source: cookingwithcarlee.com

Craving Mexican food? This Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings.

It has a ton of Mexican Flava, from the taco-seasoned chicken breasts, creamy black beans, sweet corn, and salsa.

It’s a fiesta in your mouth.

Making it is so simple. Just add your dried black beans to your slow cooker.

Next, add frozen corn, beans, salsa, taco seasoning, and water, stirring well. Then add your chicken breasts.

Let cook for about 8 hours. Once done, shred your chicken using forks. Or, to make things easier, you can use a meat shredder like this instead.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 265
  • Fats: 3g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbs: 34g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Sugar: 4g

4. Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Pita Sandwiches

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (5)

Source: cookingwithcarlee.com

Often times we need to eat on the run. And at times like this, you need something you can eat in one hand.

Something like these Greek Chicken Pita Sandwiches. They’re creamy and tasty.

And you only need 4 ingredients to make them – 6 if you count the spices.

And they contain a ton of protein. So, they’re sure to keep you full – and away from those candy bars that are calling your name.

Making them is pretty straightforward. Use a non-stick spray to spray your slow cooker insert.

Then add chicken, onion, oregano, and lemon pepper. Then cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Once the chicken is done, shred it with some forks. Finally, stir in some yogurt and enjoy.

Check out more 300 calorie meals here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 322
  • Fats: 9g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g

5. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (6)

Source: joyfoodsunshine.com

Looking for a lighter version of traditional tacos? This is a great option.

The chicken is tender, flavorful, and spicy- but not too spicy. So, it’s even great for the kiddos.

To make it, you’ll need several spices. So, pull out your measuring spoons. I like these ones here because they’re made with premium stainless steel. So they won’t rust or become stained.

What’s more: these tacos contain only 99 calories. So, you can have more than one – and still fit into your skinny jeans.

They’re also low in carbs – perfect if you’re watching your carbs.

To keep them low-carb, serve them with some low-carb tortillas. These tortillas here contain only 4 grams of net carbs per tortilla.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 99
  • Fats: 2g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Carbs: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

6. Crockpot Vegetable Chicken Potato Soup

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (7)

Source: therusticfoodie.com

When fall arrives, it’s time to grab a warm sweater- or two. And it’s time to chow down on some soup.

This soup is rustic and so comforting – just like a warm hug.

And it’s full of hearty veggies like red potatoes, carrots, and peas. It’s also good for you too.

It’s rich in immune-boosting vitamins like Vitamins A and C., And unlike canned soup, it’s lower in sodium too.

This soup is excellent on its own. But if you want, you can serve it with some rustic bread.Check out more high protein soup recipes.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 334
  • Fats: 6g
  • Protein: 49g
  • Carbs: 19g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g

7. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Quinoa

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (8)

Source: dishingouthealth.com

A lot of us are eating more plant-based meals. And there are so many good reasons for this.

Eating plant-based meals has several health benefits. And they could even help you lose some weight.

This vegetarian chili is pretty delicious. The sweet potatoes add sweetness, while the fire-roasted tomatoes add smokiness.

And the black beans and quinoa make it pretty filling. I bet you won’t miss the meat!

What’s more – this chili tastes even better the next day. So, it’s great for meal prep.

To keep your leftovers tasting fresh longer, make sure you store them in high-quality food storage containers. I recommend these glass ones here because they can tolerate rapid temperature changes and don’t end up cracking.

However, if you need lighter food storage containers, these BPA-free plastic ones are a suitable option.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 360
  • Fats: 4g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Carbs: 68g
  • Fiber: 15g
  • Sugar: 5g

8. Crockpot Mexican Chicken

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (9)

Source: goodlifeeats.com

I love having company over for dinner. You get to exchange hugs and laughs – and of course, some good food.

But cooking for a large crowd can be a pain. You spend more time in the kitchen – and less time with your company.

This dish makes it easy to cook for a large crowd. It takes only 10 minutes of prep work.

Then you let your slow cooker do its thing.

And it tastes just as yummy as fancy dishes. The chicken is extra tender and flavorful.

You and your guests will be so happy. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 122
  • Fats: 3g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g

9. Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (10)

Source: flavorthemoments.com

At the end of a hectic day, you just want to plump down on the sofa. And chill with some Netflix and a tub of ice cream.

After all, Netflix and ice cream make everything so much better, right? But the trouble is, ice cream doesn’t exactly love you back.

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is creamy and comforting. And it’s personal-trainer-approved.

That’s because it contains only 167 calories. So, you can have a bowl or two – and still, be best friends with your personal trainer.

What’s more, it has a ton of protein. So, it makes for a great post-workout meal.

The eggs add creaminess, while the orzo adds some bite. Besides adding texture, orzo is good for you too.

It contains twice as much protein as brown rice. So, it’s more filling.

Besides using orzo in soups, you can use it in salads or casseroles too. If you’d like to stock up on it, you can pick up some here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 167
  • Fats: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g

10. Instant Pot Spicy Chicken with Quinoa

Source: allnutritious.com

Chicken is good and all. But after a while, it can get boring.

This Spicy Chicken with Quinoa is a welcome change. It’s full of delicious textures and flavors, from the spicy chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and fluffy quinoa.

And the chicken and red kidney beans make it super filling. You definitely won’t need a snack after eating this meal.

Now, this dish is an Instant Pot Meal. However, you can make it in your crockpot too.

Just cook it for 2.5 hours on a low setting or 1.5 hours on a high setting.

But if you’re in a pinch for time, you can use an Instant Pot. It will take you just 25 minutes.

Don’t have an Instant Pot yet? You can get a good deal on this one here.

Check out more instant pot chicken recipes here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 767
  • Fats: 11g
  • Protein: 65g
  • Carbs: 104g
  • Fiber: 30g
  • Sugar: 12g

11. Pork Tenderloin Carnitas

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (12)

Source: feastingnotfasting.com

Need a complete break from chicken? You can try these Pork Tenderloin Carnitas instead.

Not sure what Carnitas are? Carnitas are simply the Mexican version of pulled pork.

These Pork Tenderloin Carnitas are as good as they come. They’re crispy and full of Mexican Flava – I bet you can’t eat just one!

And that’s okay. One Carnita contains only 189 calories.

So, you can eat as much as you want.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 189
  • Fats: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g

12. Crockpot White Bean Chicken Chili

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (13)

Source: thekitchengirl.com

Need a lightened-up alternative to regular chili? This is a pretty good option.

One serving contains only 134 calories. So, it works well in low-calorie diets.

But even though it’s lightened up, it doesn’t taste like diet food. It’s creamy and packed with yummy Southwest flavors – it’s a party in your mouth.

What’s more, it has a ton of protein from the chicken thighs and white beans. So, it fills you up too.

Besides being rich in protein, white beans are very nutritious too. They are rich in fiber which promotes healthy digestion.

And they contain phosphorus and magnesium for strong bones. They are also packed with iron which keeps your energy levels up. So, eat up those beans!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 134
  • Fats: 4g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

13. Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (14)

Source: cassidyscraveablecreations.com

Craving tortillas but want to ditch the carbs? Try this Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup.

You’ve got a delicious Mexican-inspired soup filled with tender chicken. And it’s topped with crunchy fried tortilla strips – Yum!

The carrots and celery add extra flavors, as well as freshness. Meanwhile, the jalapenos and green chilis add heat.

You’ll think you’re cheating on your diet – but you’re not. In fact, one serving contains only 6 grams of net carbs. Yay!

To keep it low in carbs, make sure you use low-carb tortillas like these ones here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 203
  • Fats: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g

14. Kabocha Squash Chili

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (15)

Source: runningtothekitchen.com

Looking for some vegan eats? I’ve got you covered.

On the menu is chili made with Kabocha Squash. The cinnamon, ground cloves, and Kabocha Squash add sweetness.

This is balanced by the savoy of the cumin, chipotle, and smoked paprika. And the pinto beans and Great Northern beans make it very filling.

Curious about what Kabocha Squash is? It’s a Japanese winter squash that is very nutritious.

It is rich in Vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. And it contains fiber which keeps you full.

Now, it can be pretty tough to cut. So be careful when cutting it. This chilli is great for a healthy lunch.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 362
  • Fats: 12g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sugar: 7g

15. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (16)

Source: mealpreponfleek.com

Looking for even more vegan eats? Here you go.

This lentil soup is sure to put a smile on your face. It’s full of vibrant colors, from celery, carrots, kale, and tomatoes.

And it tastes just as good as it looks. It has a nice balance of savory, sweet, and umami.

The lentils provide a ton of plant-based protein. So you feel full after eating this soup – even though it doesn’t contain a lot of calories.

Besides being rich in protein, lentils are pretty nutritious too. They are excellent sources of folate, which you need to make DNA.

They also contain B vitamins which are good for your brain. What’s more, they contain polyphenol antioxidants which promote good health.

So eat up those lentils.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 290
  • Fats: 1.6g
  • Protein: 14.8g
  • Carbs: 49.4g
  • Fiber: 8.7g
  • Sugar: 0g

16. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (17)

Source: mealpreponfleek.com

Mornings can be super hectic. There’s barely enough time to get ready – let alone make breakfast.

That’s where this Crockpot Breakfast Casserole comes in handy. Prep once, and then you have your breakfasts set for 6 days.

And because it’s so versatile, you can have it for lunch (or even dinner). It’s super delicious too.

That’s because it contains yummy ingredients like eggs, potatoes, and sausage. You even have a medley of veggies such as mushrooms, red bell peppers, and spinach too.

So you’re starting your day on the right foot. Now that’s how I like to roll.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 329
  • Fats: 18.8g
  • Protein: 23.7g
  • Carbs: 15.6g
  • Fiber: 3.1g
  • Sugar: 0g

17. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (18)

Source: greedygourmet.com

On a cold winter’s day, there’s nothing better than warming up by the fireplace. And eating some warm soup.

This soup is creamy, sweet, and savory. It’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

The fresh ginger adds a pleasant heat, while the carrots add sweetness. And the coconut milk makes it luscious and creamy.

As an added bonus, it contains immune-boosting Vitamin A. So, it may help keep the doctor away.

This soup is excellent just the way it is. But if you want, you can top it with fresh chilies and cream.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 481
  • Fats: 16.6g
  • Protein: 6.1g
  • Carbs: 80.4g
  • Fiber: 13g
  • Sugar: 5.9g

18. Slow Cooker Black Bean Burritos

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (19)

Source: veganinthefreezer.com

Do you need to eat on the run? Take these Slow Cooker Black Bean Burritos with you.

They hold pretty well. So they’re the perfect grab-and-go lunch.

They also contain tons of goodies: like creamy black beans, corn, and Mexican brown rice.

So, they’re sure to delight your tastebuds and your stomach too.

What’s more, you can freeze these burritos too.

So, you can freeze a whole batch and have them on hand whenever life gets hectic.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 333
  • Fats: 4g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Carbs: 61g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sugar: 5g

19. Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (20)

Source: http://www.justjessieb.com

When life is busy, it’s so easy to forget date night. But date night is so crucial in rekindling the romance.

And what’s date night without a nice dinner. This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken will have your partner feel extra special.

It’s full of amazing flavors: from the sweet potatoes’ sweetness and warmth from the ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

And the creaminess of the coconut milk balances out the heat.

To add to the ambiance, be sure to serve your meal on some pretty dinner platters. I like these dinner platters here because they are chip-resistant. And they are strong enough to place in the microwave, dishwasher, and even oven.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 333
  • Fats: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbs: 34g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 8g

20. Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken

20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (21)

Source: therecipecritic.com

Craving Chinese takeout? Have this Kung Pao Chicken instead.

On the menu is juicy chicken bathed in a sweet and spicy sauce. And it’s surrounded by red bell peppers and zucchini.

All topped with crunchy cashews. Who knew healthy eating could taste this great?

And what’s Chinese food without rice? To keep it light, you can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

One cup of cauliflower rice contains only 27 calories. It’s also pretty nutritious.

It is an excellent source of Vitamin C. It is also a good source of Vitamin K, which helps your blood clot.

For extra convenience, you can simply use pre-packaged cauliflower rice, which you can get here. However, if you have a little spare time on your hands, you can make yours from scratch.

Making it is actually quite simple. Start by cutting your cauliflower into little pieces.

Then place the pieces in a food processor, and process until they become like rice. This food processor here has a 10-cup capacity. So, it can handle large volumes of cauliflower without having to stop to empty it.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 443
  • Fats: 21g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbs: 21g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 13g
20 Healthy Crockpot Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Are crockpot foods healthy? ›

Yes, if you use them correctly. The slow cooker cooks foods slowly at a low temperature, generally between 170 and 280 degrees F, over several hours. The combination of direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam, destroys bacteria making the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.

Can I just throw a bunch of ingredients in the crockpot? ›

One of the main attractions for many people is the ease of a slow cooker, so when you're looking for recipes, avoid those that suggest a lot of pre-preparation. For many dishes, particularly soups and stews, you really can just throw all the ingredients in.

What foods should be slow cooked? ›

Tough cuts of meat, offal, root veggies all benefit from long, slow cooking. So a dish like pho has pieces of meats with the cartilage cooked into a lovely chewy, melt in your mouth feel! Parsnips are lovely after they've been roasted and then cooked long and mashed. If you've never tried parsnips, please do.

How do you make slow cooker meals taste better? ›

If you take an extra 10 minutes to sauté the aromatics before scraping them into the slow-cooker, the finished dish will have deeper flavor and better texture. (And some new slow-cookers allow you to sauté right in the insert, so you don't have to wash a separate skillet.)

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  • Raw Meat.
  • Seafood.
  • Pasta.
  • Rice.
  • Delicate Vegetables.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  • Dairy.
  • Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

What is the best meat to cook in a slow cooker? ›

Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot? ›

Information. It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness. Frozen or partially frozen foods can also cool everything else in the slow cooker.

What's the difference between a slow cooker and a Crockpot? ›

A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

What foods go bad slowly? ›

Check out some of the longest-lasting fruits and vegetables to add to your shopping list and how to store them to maximize their longevity.
  • Apples. Fresh apples don't turn very quickly and can actually keep for almost four weeks without any special preparation. ...
  • Cabbage. ...
  • Pomegranates. ...
  • Potatoes. ...
  • Lemons and Limes. ...
  • Carrots.
Jun 2, 2020

What cooks better in a Crockpot? ›

Fattier meats and dark meat chicken are better options, as leaner cuts may dry out during the cooking process. Fattier meats are good, but trim the fat away before placing in the Crockpot slow cooker.

What can I put in my slow cooker to make meat more tender? ›

Reheat with a liquid: One way to add moisture back into the beef is to reheat it in a liquid such as broth or gravy. You can do this by placing the beef in a pot or slow cooker with the liquid and heating it until it's heated through and tender.

Are you supposed to stir slow cooker meals? ›

Due to the nature of a slow cooker, there is no need to stir the food unless it specifically says to in your recipe. In fact, taking the lid off to stir food causes the slow cooker to lose a significant amount of heat, extending the cooking time required. Therefore, it is best not to remove the lid for stirring.

Do onions go soft in slow cooker? ›

If you're around while the onions are cooking, stir them occasionally — this will help them cook more evenly, but isn't strictly necessary. After 10 hours, the onions will be golden-brown and soft, and they will have released a lot of liquid. If you like them as they are now, stop cooking and pack them up.

Is cooker food good for health? ›

Yes, cooking in a pressure cooker is healthy as it uses steam to cook food, the insulated and sealed body does not allow the water to evaporate thus preserving the nutrients in the food. Pressure cookers do not require oil to cook making them even healthier.

What are the benefits of slow cooker meals? ›

Slow cooker benefits.

They use less electricity than an oven and can be used year-round. Because of the long, low-temperature cooking, slow cookers help tenderize less-expensive cuts of meat. They usually allow for one-step preparation; putting all the ingredients in the slow cooker saves time and reduces cleanup.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a crockpot? ›

While there are some disadvantages to using a slow cooker, such as the risk of overcooking food or forgetting to turn it off, these generally pale in comparison to the benefits. For busy families or those who enjoy coming home to a hot meal, a slow cooker can be a great addition to any kitchen.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a slow cooker? ›

The low temperature of slow-cooking makes it almost impossible to burn even food that has been cooked too long. However, some meats and most vegetables become nearly tasteless or "raggy" if over-cooked. Food can be set to slow-cook before leaving for the day so it is ready on return.

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