Chicken is a healthy and versatile meal ingredient that can be cooked slowly in the crock pot in many different ways. Chicken is a good source of protein and is lower in fat and calories than most cuts of red meat, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tortilla soup with chicken is easy to make in the crock pot and can be served with a scoop of rice. Disney Family provides the recipe for this healthy soup. To prepare, place boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into the crock pot. In a large bowl combine a 4 ounce can of chopped and drained green chiles, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 diced yellow onion, 2 15 ounce cans of diced tomatoes with the juice, 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Stir and pour over the chicken. Cook in the crock pot for 3 hours on high. Shred the chicken and adjust the seasonings. Right before you serve the soup, add 4 sliced corn tortillas and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Pour the soup over rice and top with cheese, avocados and a squeeze of lime juice. This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Stir-Fry
Parents Magazine offers up a recipe for stir-fry that features shrimp, but substituting chicken is easy and creates a healthy meal. The stir-fry can be served on top of steamed white or brown rice for a meal that will satisfy your family's hunger and is low in fat and calories. Place 1 pound of peeled and sliced carrots and 1 chopped red pepper into the crock pot. Separately, blend together 3/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce and 2 teaspoons of sugar and pour over the vegetables. Cook on high 1 hour and 45 minutes and then add bite-size chicken cubes, 8 ounces of snow peas and 1 can of drained bamboo shoots and continue cooking until chicken is done. Pour over the rice and sprinkle with sliced scallions. This recipe serves 6 people.
Roasted Chicken
Roasting a chicken in the crock pot is easy to do and when it is served with rice and steamed vegetables, you will have a healthy meal that comes together easily. Place a whole chicken in the crock pot and drizzle with a little bit of olive or canola oil. Sprinkle with the seasonings of your choice. Flavors that go well together include citrus and sage, rosemary and garlic, and onion and crushed red pepper. Cook the chicken on low for about 6 hours and then use a turkey baster to remove the fluid from the crock pot. Cook for about 30 minutes more to create a roasted flavor. Add a serving of rice and some steamed broccoli or spinach for a well rounded and healthy meal. This recipe will serve 4 people with plenty of leftovers for another healthy meal.
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