There's always one kitchen gadget you can count on when you want your meal to be as easy as ordering takeout, yet way healthier: the slow cooker. With prep as easy as "toss in, and step away for the day," it's a fuss-free way to eat healthy on your busiest days. Spice up your soups, chicken, and veggies with these easy and healthy Crockpot recipes.
Crockpot Corn On The Cob
Image via Brit+Co
A homemade garlic butter mix gives our favorite cookout side dish a serious flavor upgrade. Using tin foil for this slow cooker recipe will let your corn cook and marinate at the same time. (via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Image via Brit+Co
Full of a variety of veggies and herbs, everything about this soup is a good idea – including the white wine. Pour some in the soup, then pour yourself a glass to enjoy alongside dinner. This is the perfect dish to make when you want Italian but are looking for something that feels warm and healthy. (via Brit + Co)
Vegan Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa
Image via Brit+Co
Give your favorite warm weather drink a healthy and easy upgrade by one, making it vegan, and two, making it in the slow cooker! Our favorite nondairy milk to use for this are soy and oat, but almond works great too. Bonus points if you throw on some vegan whipped cream and marshmallows!(via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Image via Brit+Co
Instead of sour cream or other heavy cream-based products, this recipe calls for Greek yogurt to make the sauce, which will make things a bit healthier without changing up the flavor too much. It remains the ultimate comfort food, while only requiring four-ingredients and being much healthier. (via Brit + Co)
Supercharged Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Image via Brit+Co
The best thing about making a drink like apple cider yourself is you know (and can control) exactly what's in it. Plus, the ACV gives it a little extra health boost! It can aid digestion, fight infections, and help you feel full. (via Brit + Co)
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Stuffed Mushrooms
Image via Brit+Co
These mushrooms make for a great appetizer, and while the recipe is vegetarian, it's incredibly easy to swap regular cream cheese for an alternative one to make it vegan. The ingredient list seems lengthy but the recipe only takes 2 hours to cook after you've thrown it all into your Crock-Pot. (via Brit + Co)
Chana Masala
Image via Brit+Co
Chickpeas are great for strong bones and better digestion, and the mix of ginger, cumin, and turmeric work together so well.This meal is healthy and filling but doesn't weigh you down. Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top once it comes out of the Crock Pot for even more flavor! (via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooker Keto Chicken
Image via Brit+Co
Add some spice to your summer nights with this delicious shredded Mexican chicken recipe. If it's a bit too spicy for you, you can leave out the jalapeños and just add more avocados. The recipe is keto-friendly and can be further customized by putting it over cauliflower rice or wrapping it in romaine lettuce. (via Brit + Co)
Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Stew
Image via Real Food Whole Life
There's always time to reset with a stew (or soup). This hearty recipe, starring clean ingredients (bonus because there's only 6 of them) like kale and sweet potato, leaves you full all day, and it freezes like a charm for leftovers. (via Real Food Whole Life)
Creamy Ranch Mashed Cauliflower
Image via All Day I Dream About Food
Looking for a creamy side that'll soak up all manner of sauces? Your brain might immediately go to mashed potatoes but there are other great alternatives. Your search ends with this low-carb ranch cauliflower mash. It's rich and creamy and oh-so-flavorful! (via All Day I Dream About Food)
Coconut Quinoa Curry Healthy Crockpot Idea
Image via Simply Quinoa
There's a double dose of protein from chickpeas and quinoa in this curry recipe. It all simmers in a bath of sweet tomatoes and coconut milk for a recipe that's simply too delish for words. (via Simply Quinoa)
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Image via Culinary Hill
You can use frozen green beans in this crock pot recipe to keep things simple, but still add a touch of homemade cooking in the dish by whipping up an easy mushroom sauce. Don't forget the best part – crispy fried onions! (via Culinary Hill)
Slow Cooker Lamb Chops
Image via Where Is My Spoon?
When you're feeling fancy, but not 'spending three hours in the kitchen' fancy, leverage this easy lamp chops recipe that pairs well with pasta, rice, and veg. It only takes 3 steps and has less than 10 minutes of prep time! (via Where Is My Spoon?)
Chicken Coconut Korma
Image via Completely Delicious
This one will warm you up like no other. It is made with tomato paste, coconut milk, and lots of spices that combine to create a heavenly flavor profile. Make sure to prep it with some naan for the full dining experience! (via Completely Delicious)
Crockpot Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
Image via Averie Cooks
When the clock strikes for something sweet, reach for this Crockpot snack mix recipe that yields a whole lot of yum. It's so easy to make and my favorite part is that it is so easy to customize and utilize whatever ingredients you have on hand. (via Averie Cooks)
Easy Crockpot Enchiladas
Image via Clean Cuisine
These streamlined enchiladas make an excellent dish for sharing! They swap out certain ingredients for a cleaner choice but still manage to remain the delicious treat you know and love. (via Clean Cuisine)
Lasagna Soup in the Crockpot
Image via The Edgy Veg
Lasagna is always a no-fail dinner. Eat it in soup form for some real comfort! It takes 30 minutes to make and only uses one pot, which is definitely a win in my book. Plus, the noodles can be switched out for gluten-free ones to accommodate different diets! (via The Edgy Veg)
Healthy Slow Cooker Turmeric Chicken and Potatoes
Image via SweetPhi
Anti-inflammatory turmeric is so good for you, we've started adding it to pretty much everything. It gives a golden glow to chicken and potatoes in this recipe, with tender green beans adding just the right amount of green. (via SweetPhi)
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich with Apple Slaw
Image via Salt & Lavender
Pork gets simmered in the slow cooker for about 10 hours to really tenderize the meat, and ensure all the flavors soak in. Then, the pulled pork sandwich is balanced with a fresh and crunchy apple slaw. Yum! (via Salt & Lavender)
Low-Carb Lasagna
Image via Well Plated
Pile your plate high with layers upon layers of zucchini and eggplant slices, substituting lasagna noodles. Bell peppers and onions form this recipe's sauce, and low-fat cottage cheese adds extra depth to each serving. (via Well Plated)
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Image via Damn Delicious
There's almost no prep work involved for this dish (besides chopping the potatoes), so you can just throw in all the ingredients and forget about it for the next eight hours. Remove the chicken right before it's time to eat, and broil for a quick three minutes to get the skin nice and crispy. (via Damn Delicious)
Crockpot Thai Broccoli Rabe Chicken Curry
Image via Half-Baked Harvest
Red curry gets a healthy boost from broccoli rabe, but with chicken, this healthy slow cooker recipe still completely filling. It makes a comforting and cozy meal, perfect for the fall season and beyond. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken Healthy Crockpot Recipes
Image via Show Me the Yummy
We can hardly contain ourselves. Something about that sweet and spicy honey-sriracha combo, when it's slathered over yummy chicken and paired with fluffy quinoa, keeps us coming back for more. It doesn't hurt that there's such little prep time, and it's a healthy meal! (via Show Me the Yummy)
Low-Carb Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Image via My Life Cookbook
Monk fruit's the secret to keeping this barbecue sauce delightfully sweet while still low-carb. Use with with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Despite it being so flavorful, its surprisingly easy to make. (via My Life Cookbook)
Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup
Image via Damn Delicious
You're going to be in ecstasy after one spoonful of this chicken broth-based soup with tender beans, soft vegetables, and smoky andouille sausage. It's the perfect hearty, yet healthy meal and only requires 10 minutes of prep! Is anybody else thinking about NOLA? (via Damn Delicious)
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup
Image via A Spicy Perspective
Enjoy all the same amazing flavors as buffalo chicken wings, without the heavy feelings. This slow-cooker soup is healthy and keeps things light. The bit of blue cheese dressing that gets blended in really adds to the flavor and makes you feel like you're eating wings at a tailgate! (via A Spicy Perspective)
Jackfruit Butter Chicken
Image via Chef Bai
Who knew jackfruit could make for such a delicious meal? This vegan butter chicken recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner dish. It uses tons of fresh elements, including ginger, garbanzo beans, and coconut milk, to form an ultra-comforting bowl – all within the crock pot. (via Chef Bai)
Prep Our Slow Cooker Recipes For An Easy Dinner
Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
Image via The Recipe Critic
A sure way to stop ordering consistent takeout meals is to make this Kung Pao recipe at home. The key is to coat the chicken chunks with cornstarch so that it browns before you dump it in the sauce with plenty of veggies for an unbelievable home order. (via The Recipe Critic)
Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
Image via Gimme Some Oven
Packed with protein and naturally vegan and gluten-free, this soup can do no wrong. Garnish with thick slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips — or all three. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs
Image via A Spicy Perspective
The guests at your next party will be inhaling these flavorful meatballs. Just prep a spicy-sweet sauce, and form the meatballs, then let cook in the crock pot for about four hours for a delicious snack. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Image via Well Plated
Tomatoes always taste best after cooking low and slow all day. The richness of this easy slow cooker chicken dish is why it's a personal favorite and is perfect for dinner parties and beyond. (via Well Plated)
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Pesto Vegetables Recipe
Image via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking
When your chicken and veggies are this well seasoned, you won't even miss pasta. If you are craving noodles, though, try tossing everything with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)
Parmesan White Bean Chicken Soup with Roasted Delicata Squash
Image via Half-Baked Harvest
This slow cooker soup is absolutely chock full of veggies and your favorite noodles. HBH's Tieghan recommends orzo, and we are totally on board with that. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Crockpot Chickpea Curry
Image via A Spicy Perspective
This vegetarian recipe is also gluten-free *and* can be made dairy-free! Whichever way you decide to fix it, the flavors of honey, ginger, and cumin will not disappoint. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Image via Show Me the Yummy
Skip the heavy takeout, and recreate one of your favorite meals at home with a healthy twist. Whip up a quick orange sauce, and pour it over two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Serve with your choice of rice. (via Show Me the Yummy)
Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Tagine
Image via Cooking Classy
Even if you don't have a real tagine, capture the flavors of Morocco in your slow cooker with a hearty, protein-filled stew. Serving it over rice or couscous elevates the meal even further and makes it one you'll crave again and again. (via Cooking Classy)
Easy Slow Cooker Chili
Image via Barley & Sage
With this healthy crockpot recipe recipe, you'll get plenty of protein from the ground beef, nutrients from the veggies, and flavor from all the spices. Since it's so packed with beans and corn, removing the meat is totally viable and makes it vegetarian! Pro tip: it freezes and reheats really well! (via Barley & Sage)
Slow Cooker Healthier Beef Stew
Image via Primavera Kitchen
Quickly brown the stew meat in a skillet before dumping it in your slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor you won't want to miss. Then, make beef stew lighter by adding more in-season veggies like parsnips and turnips, and by using low-sodium broth. (via Primavera Kitchen)
Enjoy Easy Soups, Chilis, Stews, and Curry Dishes Straight From The Crockpot
Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Image via SweetPhi
If you've ever been sick, you know that soup has superpowers. The lentils in this dish gently nourish you, while the warm salty broth will soothe your soul. The red lentils allow for the texture to be almost creamy, giving it the oomph you need to feel satisfied. (via SweetPhi)
Honey Glazed Carrots
Image via Salt & Lavender
When you cook carrots in any capacity, they're already nice and sweet, but adding a honey glaze really brings out that natural flavor even more. They're the perfect side dish for the holiday season or any family dinner. These are so good, you might not even want dessert. (via Salt & Lavender)
Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole
Image via Half-Baked Harvest
Great for when corn and zucchini are in season, this salsa verde pozole is loaded with veggies and topped with avocado, cotija, toasted pumpkin seeds, tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime. The textures and the flavors all come together so well to create a fiesta in your mouth. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Image via Cooking Classy
Satisfy your Chinese food cravings without leaving the house. It requires a mere 10 minutes of prep time before being tossed into the slow cooker. The beef drips in flavor and is so tender, you'll never want to order takeout again. (via Cooking Classy)
Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
Image via Half-Baked Harvest
Chili is always a good go-to dinner for utmost comfort. This healthy recipe loads up on all of the flavors without overdoing it. The ingredients are clean and good for you, including ground turkey, bell peppers, chipotle peppers, and white beans. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
Image via All Day I Dream About Food
Who knew that you didn't need to roast spaghetti squash in the oven? Just cut it in half, dig out the seeds, and place it in the slow cooker with a trusted tomato sauce. Needless to say, Italian night got a whole lot lighter. (via All Day I Dream About Food)
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Image via Damn Delicious
Not only are these stuffed peppers healthy, but they're also completely customizable. You can switch out the ground beef for turkey (or leave it out altogether), and choose between white rice, brown rice, and even quinoa for an extra punch of protein in the filling. Make as many peppers as will fit in your slow cooker to prep lunch for the rest of the week. (via Damn Delicious)
Slow Cooker Summer Vegetable Soup
Image via The Seasoned Mom
Add all of your favorite veggies to your slow cooker (plus beans for a boost of protein), and let them simmer away to create a compellingly complex soup. A little sprinkle of parmesan on top wouldn't hurt either. (via The Seasoned Mom)
Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Soup
Image via Peas and Crayons
Combine cauliflower, sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and a touch of cream cheese for indulgence. Five hours later, you'll be devouring bowl after bowl of this scrumptious soup. (via Peas and Crayons)
Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup
Image via Show Me The Yummy
A mix of creamy coconut milk and rich peanut butter make this one soup you won't be able to get off your mind. Loaded up with protein and veggies, this is the ultimate feel-good meal that is also good for you. Serve with an extra-large spoon for easy slurping. (via Show Me The Yummy)
Slow Cooker Whole Roasted Chicken
Image via The Little Kitchen
Making a whole roast chicken in your slow cooker will give you enough tender, fall-off-the-bone meat to feed you like a queen for the week. Place your seasoned chicken on a bed of veggies, like onions, celery, and carrots, and let it cook for the next six hours. If you prefer crispier skin, carefully remove the chicken from your slow cooker and broil for a few minutes at the end. (via The Little Kitchen)
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato
Image via The Real Food Dietitians
Buffalo chicken wings might not be the healthiest choice, but this dairy-free, dietitian-approved version means you can go there, minus the guilt. Tuck it into a lettuce wrap or into a baked sweet potato for an even more satisfying dish! (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Image via The Seasoned Mom
Get that home-cooked fix without having to stand over the stove stirring a pot all day. Even though it's soup, this meal is bright and fresh thanks to the variety of veggies, and garnish of cilantro. (via The Seasoned Mom)
Smoked Bacon Veggie Soup
Image via Cotter Crunch
Snuggle up with a bowl of this hearty soup on a frigid winter day, and you'll warm up from the inside out. The smoky bacon helps balance out the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts and mushrooms. (via Cotter Crunch)
White Chicken Chili Healthy Crockpot Recipes
Image via Simply Whisked
Sticking to your healthy eating resolution will be a breeze with meals as good as this one. An hour before dinner, shred the chicken and then distract yourself for the next 60 minutes while it keeps cooking. Top with crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro. (via Simply Whisked)
Shredded Chicken Tacos
Image via A Spicy Perspective
With only two ingredients — chicken and salsa verde — this taco meat just needs tortillas and whatever toppings you want to have dinner on the table. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
Image via Culinary Hill
Loaded with carrots, celery, and onion, this chicken soup gets a filling twist from cheese tortellini. It's a great choice for when you're under the weather or just want something that feels nourishing for your soul. Plus, it's super easy to whip up and can be frozen for leftovers! (via Culinary Hill)
Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more healthy crockpot recipes and eating inspiration or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes!
Lead image via Completely Delicious.
Additional reporting by Ashley Tyler, Chloe Williams, and Meredith Holser.
This post has been updated.
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Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
