Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Veggie Medley

Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Veggie Medl

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:06 Hrs

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Chop all vegetables according to the ingredient list. Mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This adds a depth of flavor but can be skipped.
• Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seared (or unseared) chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
• In a bowl, combine bell peppers, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• If desired, shred the chicken with two forks before serving. This is optional, but gives the dish a lovely texture.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	350
Fat	15g
Fiber	3g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Mediterranean

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some easy healthy crock pot meals ? This Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Medley is just the ticket. Honestly, the zesty lemon herb flavour is pure sunshine. I swear!

Brief Overview

This dish is a Mediterranean dream come true. It is cooked in a crock pot. It's simple and takes about 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high.

It serves about 6 people.

Main Benefits

This recipe gives you lean protein and loads of veggies. This makes it a winner for a healthy dinner. Serve this when you need something comforting, but not heavy.

The best thing? It's totally foolproof.

Why This Recipe Rocks

I used to be rubbish at cooking chicken. The best slow cooker sorted me out. Now, slow cooker chicken recipes healthy are my go-to. It's hard to mess up, even for me!

Ingredients: Simple & Fresh

You will need:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh parsley

Honestly? This list looks long, but prep is easy. You can customize healthy crockpot with any veggies you have.

Simple Steps to Deliciousness

First, chop those veggies! Next, brown the chicken (optional but tasty). Then, layer everything in your crock pot. Pour over the herbs and broth.

Cook on low for 6- 8 hours, or on high for 3- 4 hours.

It's great for anyone wanting dump and start crock pot meals healthy . I like to have a go-to Healthy Crockpot Recipes on hand. Trust me, you'll love it.

Tips and Tricks

Don't cram the slow cooker or the chicken will not cook evenly. Browning the chicken does add a lot to the flavour.

Plus, resist lifting the lid constantly. You know you want to, but resist! Low carb crock pot recipes easy can be made by swapping carrots and bell peppers for zucchini and cauliflower.

This Healthy Slow Cooker recipe is a winner for families and meal prep. It's also a clever way to use up those almost past-it vegetables.

Enjoy, and let me know how it turns out!

Alright, let's get started with our Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Medley ! This recipe is about as easy as it gets.

No need to be a fancy chef to enjoy some easy healthy crock pot meals!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need. Nothing too complicated, promise!

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs ( 900g ) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Make sure they're nice and pink! If they look a bit pale, maybe give them a miss. Fresh is best for healthy crockpot recipes .
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped. About 1 cup .
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped. Another 1 cup .
• 2 celery stalks, chopped. Yep, you guessed it, 1 cup .
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped ( 1 cup ).
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped ( 1 cup ).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ( 2 teaspoons ).
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested ( 2 tablespoons juice, 1 teaspoon zest ).
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick).
• 1 ( 14.5 oz / 411g ) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
• 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) low sodium chicken broth.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish).

Seasoning Notes

For this bad boy , Italian herbs are key. Oregano, basil, thyme the whole shebang. If you haven't got a blend, just chuck in equal parts of each.

Lemon zest is vital, mates. It adds a zest that'll make your tastebuds sing! Don't skip it.

Craving a bit more umph? A splash of Worcestershire sauce really deepens the flavor.

Equipment Needed

You'll absolutely need a slow cooker, naturally. A 6-quart ( 5.7 liter ) one will do the trick. No need to splash out on some mega expensive model.

Otherwise, just your everyday bits and bobs:

• Citrus zester
• Citrus juicer
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

If you haven't got a fancy zester, a fine grater will do fine. Honestly, healthy slow cooker meals shouldn't require fancy gadgets.

Many easy healthy crock pot meals are simple, with the best slow cooker being the one you already own.

Alright, let's get cracking! As they say, a watched pot never boils, but a watched crock pot definitely delivers a delicious and healthy meal.

Today we are making easy healthy crock pot meals , particularly the Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Medley .

It's sunshine on a plate, even if it's raining outside like it always does in England.

Getting Ready: Prep Steps

Essential mise en place is crucial. It means getting everything ready before you start. Chop 1 large yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 red and 1 green bell pepper.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Zest and juice 1 lemon. You need about 2 tablespoons of juice and 1 teaspoon of zest.

Time Saving Tip: Chop veggies the night before. Store them in airtight containers. It saves time on busy weekdays!

Cooking Made Easy: Step-by-Step Process

1. Chop your veggies: onion, carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
2. Optional : Sear 2 lbs of chicken thighs in a skillet for about 2- 3 minutes per side.
3. Layer the veggies at the bottom of your slow cooker. Put the chicken on top.
4. Mix peppers, garlic, lemon juice, zest, herbs, salt, pepper, and diced tomatoes in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Pour over the chicken and veggies.
5. Slow cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Chicken needs to reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
6. If you want, shred the chicken with two forks.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving!

Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes Healthy

Pro Tip 1 : Don't overcrowd your slow cooker. Cook in batches, if you must. We want even cooking.

Pro Tip 2 : Searing the chicken is great for flavour. It gives the meal more depth.

Common Mistake : Opening the lid too often. Keep it shut! It lets out heat.

Remember, this Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Medley is your ticket to healthy crockpot heaven. If you need some healthy crockpot recipes , this one is the easiest and makes the Best Slow Cooker in town! What are you waiting for? Go try this amazing Crockpot Recipes Slow Cooker now!

Enjoy your slow cooker chicken recipes healthy ! This is one of the best easy crock pot chicken and vegetables you'll ever make! You can make dump and start crock pot meals healthy with this recipe.

And the best thing is that this recipe could be one of the best low carb crock pot recipes easy .

If you are doing weight watchers crock pot recipes , then you need to consider this too!. Right then, off you pop! Give that a go and let me know how it turns out.

Now, where's my cuppa?

Alright, let's talk about making the best Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Medley ever. Honestly, a good recipe is more than just a list of ingredients.

It's about the little things, yeah?

Recipe Notes

Plating Like a Pro & Drink Pairings

Presentation matters, even for easy healthy crock pot meals . For plating, think vibrant! A scattering of fresh parsley really brightens things up.

Serve it over fluffy quinoa. You know, the kind your posh cousin raves about? And for a real treat, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up that zesty sauce.

Oh my gosh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. For drinks, something light. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a sparkling water with a lemon wedge would be ace.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? Don't bin 'em! Let the chicken and veggies cool completely. Then, pop them into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Portion it out into freezer safe containers. It'll last for up to 2 months . To reheat, just microwave it until piping hot.

Make sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) though.

Healthy Crockpot Tweaks

Want to make it a bit different? Loads of options here.

• Low-Carb: Swap the carrots and peppers for zucchini and cauliflower. Makes it a low carb crock pot recipes easy .
• Seasonal Swaps: In autumn, butternut squash would be lovely. Spring? Asparagus for sure. It’s all about what's fresh and tasty.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's keep this simple. This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, essential vitamins and fibre from all those veggies.

Did you know lean protein like chicken thighs are great for muscle repair? It is estimated to be around 350 calories per serving.

So, it’s delicious and good for you! Perfect for those Weight Watchers crock pot recipes . A proper win-win if you ask me.

This is definitely the Best Slow Cooker meal for those wanting something healthy.

So there you have it! Loads of ways to make this recipe your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and have some fun.

Making easy healthy crock pot meals shouldn't be a chore. Make it something you look forward to! Honestly, once you get the hang of it, you'll be whipping up amazing dishes in no time.

Go on, give it a whirl!