Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, slaving over a hot stove? Do you crave delicious, healthy meals without the endless prep time? Then you've come to the right place! Inspired by the amazing slow cooker recipes shared on Reddit, this post brings you a collection of easy, healthy, and unbelievably flavorful slow cooker recipes perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Get ready to unlock the magic of your slow cooker and elevate your homemade cooking game!
Creamy Tomato Chicken and Spinach Slow Cooker Recipe
This recipe is a Reddit favorite, praised for its simplicity, amazing taste, and minimal cleanup. It's a perfect example of how a slow cooker can transform simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, heavy cream, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Stir in spinach: Gently stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Shred and serve: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Serve hot, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf during cooking and remove before serving.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta.
- Meal prepping made easy: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on cream and cheese)
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This simple slow cooker recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and best recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a healthy and satisfying meal on the table quickly. Embrace the ease of slow cooker recipes and rediscover the joy of homemade cooking! Happy cooking!