Crock-Pot / Slow Cooker Archives - Two Healthy Kitchens

55 Easy Christmas Crockpot Recipes

Shelley — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:23:27 +0000

~ These delicious Christmas Crockpot Recipes are a quick, easy, hands-off solution for stress-free holiday cooking! And, they’re a great way to save precious oven and stovetop space. Sure, we’ve got lots of festive Christmas dinner main dishes … but also all the sides, appetizers, drinks and desserts you’ll need for every holiday party! Even ultra-cozy slow cooker Christmas morning breakfasts! ~

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to make Christmas easier … yet still magical and wonderful. Sound familiar? Then your trusty old crockpot has ya covered!

Pull it off that dark basement shelf and fire it up this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did!

Why Your Slow Cooker Is Pure Holiday Magic

That humble crockpot is your ticket to:

No-stress recipes that cook merrily along while you’re free to enjoy the holiday season.

More room in your crowded oven or pan-filled stovetop on Christmas day.

And recipes that can stay warm and inviting, right in the slow cooker, all throughout your holiday meals.

Seem fantastic? Yeah, it is!

And you just might be surprised at all the types of recipes your slow cooker can handle.

All Kinds of Christmas Slow Cooker Recipes

I sorted through hundreds and hundreds of enticing slow cooker recipes to hand-pick this collection, filled with practically every type of holiday recipe you could possibly need. The collection below showcases (in order of appearance):

Main dishes from turkey to Christmas ham … and much more!
Must-have side dishes
Party-perfect appetizers and snuggly, warm beverages
Dessert finales to cap off the perfect Christmas dinner
Make-ahead breakfast recipes to kick-start Christmas Day
And even some casual, super-easy “everyday” dinners to get you through the busy evenings surrounding the big holiday event, so you’re stress-free and enjoying every special moment, all season long!

No matter what type of holiday crockpot recipe you’re looking for, you’re sure to find one here that’ll be absolutely perfect!

Festive & Easy Christmas Crockpot Recipes

The Main Event!

Make your Christmas main course in your slow cooker, to free up oven or stovetop space ... and to simplify your Christmas dinner menu for a more relaxed, carefree holiday!

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy

Photo Credit: quichemygrits.com

By using the low and slow crockpot cooking method, you'll get moist, delicious turkey that melts in your mouth! As an extra plus, the juices make an easy, flavor-packed gravy. Cranberries and seasonal herbs are a beautiful yet ultra-simple garnish.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Veggies

Photo Credit: onepotonly.com

This rotisserie-style seasoned chicken is cooked with carrots, onions and Yukon gold potatoes for fantastic flavors and a gorgeous, holiday-worthy presentation! You can optionally make an easy gravy to accompany the meal for an extra-special touch.

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

Incredibly rich and tender slow cooker short ribs are a celebration-worthy dinner with so little effort. The beef is prepared with a trio of mushrooms, carrots and onions that adds a nice, fresh counterbalance to the otherwise rich meal. Fabulous served over potatoes!

Herb-Rubbed Boneless Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Roast

Photo Credit: www.hauteandhealthyliving.com

This tender and juicy turkey slow-cooks right along with onions and carrots – it's a main course with a built-in vegetable side dish, all in one pot! If you want, you can use the delicious cooking juices to make a gravy, too.

Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham

Photo Credit: wholefully.com

Besides freeing up space in your oven, this slow cooker method retains moisture to keep your ham from drying out, so you end up with a juicy, delicious Christmas ham. And, the bonus secret here is a rich, thick homemade glaze that's easy to whip up using ingredients you have on hand, yet adds tons of flavor and additional moisture!

Slow Cooker Duck Confit with Cherry Sauce

Photo Credit: somebodyfeedseb.com

Duck Confit may sound like a complicated dish, but it's all about time and patience, rather than complex methods – and time and patience is what crockpots do best. A unique and impressive Christmas dinner that's still low-stress and surprisingly simple to pull off!

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken

Photo Credit: www.lifeasastrawberry.com

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and just a few kitchen staples come together for an effortless main course. A great option if you don't want to cook a whole chicken, but note that you can sub thighs if you like them better than (leaner) white-meat breasts.

Balsamic Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Photo Credit: joyfoodsunshine.com

With just 5 minutes of prep time (no browning required!), roast is a go-to dish for easy, stress-free holiday entertaining. You can even make it ahead of time, to be re-warmed later! Serve it with plenty of veggie sides for a healthy yet special-feeling Christmas meal.

Slow Cooker Cornish Hens with Grand Marnier Sauce

Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

Elegant but simple, featuring a delicious combination of orange juice, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar ... plus a finishing touch of festive Grand Marnier sauce!

Crock Pot Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast

Photo Credit: www.wholesomeyum.com

This easy slow cooker recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep, and the result is a tender roast with a lovely rosemary and thyme aroma. Rutabagas are a lower-carb stand-in for the traditional potatoes, along with green beans, red pepper, and red onion, but the author gives great suggestions for other vegetable options to cook with your pork and round out your meal.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

Photo Credit: www.thefoodblog.net

A holiday staple in many homes, these Ukrainian-style cabbage rolls take a beloved comfort dish and make it even better, even easier! Note that, because you won't be able to drain the fat from this recipe, lean ground beef is the ideal choice.

Easy Slow Cooker Poached Salmon

Photo Credit: www.ditchthecarbs.com

Lots of people like to serve seafood for Christmas, but you might be surprised that you can cook it in your crockpot! In fact, the low, slow cooking method is ideally suited to your crockpot, producing that "poached" texture that's still flaky but also more moist, soft and tender than oven-baked. And the long cooking time offers plenty of opportunity for the salmon to be infused with flavorful seasonings.

Crock Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers

Photo Credit: www.wholesomeyum.com

For those of you who like serving an Italian Christmas feast, this is a wonderfully easy addition to the menu, with just 7 simple ingredients! To keep it light and lean, make sure to note that you can use chicken or turkey sausages instead of the typical pork.

Easy Crockpot Side Dishes

Next, you'll need some great side dishes! Fire up a second slow cooker alongside the one cooking your main dish, or use just one crockpot to free up some room on the stove.

Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

Photo Credit: moonandspoonandyum.com

This super-easy side dish calls for a flavorful combination of paprika, garlic and oregano. But, there are lots of ideas for switching up the flavors and customizing your slow cooker potatoes to pair perfectly with the rest of your Christmas menu!

Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Photo Credit: chefsavvy.com

You only need 10 minutes of prep time and a few pantry staples for this must-have holiday side dish. Includes lots of great ideas for flavor variations, but start by trying it with the highly recommended combo of toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and a homemade balsamic reduction made from light brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.

Easy Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Photo Credit: www.iheartnaptime.net

Only 4 ingredients, but these carrots are a definite crowd-pleaser with their buttery, brown sugar glaze. For added convenience, use baby carrots so there’s no chopping involved. Or for a pop of color, go with rainbow carrots.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Photo Credit: foxeslovelemons.com

When it comes to Christmas side dishes, Green Bean Casserole just might be the iconic king. This updated, slow cooker version of the holiday classic is made with fresh beans and doesn’t use canned soup. It’s a yummy, easy upgrade, and making it in your slow cooker frees up precious oven space!

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apples

Photo Credit: dizzybusyandhungry.com

This lovely side dish combines sweet butternut squash with warm apples, holiday cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which all make this recipe so fragrant as it cooks ... your whole house will smell amazing!

Slow Cooker Stuffing with Mushrooms

Photo Credit: karalydon.com

Crockpots cook stuffing really well, since the bread pieces on the bottom get nice and crispy, just like they would in the oven. This version is made with mushrooms for that meaty, savory umami bomb that you want out of a stuffing. And it’s got walnuts to add nutty flavor and a little crunch to break up the "bread-y" stuffing texture. Yum!

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Lusciously creamy and oh-so satisfying! The author suggests lots of variations and add-ins, but most of all, I love her tips for lightening up a dish that is sometimes a bit too heavy. As an added bonus, this great side dish recipe can be made 2-3 days in advance, or even frozen!

Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

Photo Credit: onepotonly.com

Thanks to this foolproof crockpot method, you get ultra creamy, super tender, extra fluffy sweet potatoes every time!

Rosemary Honey Slow Cooker Beets

Photo Credit: itsavegworldafterall.com

“Roasting” beets in the crockpot is one of the absolute best ways to prepare them! These are perfectly tender and incredibly flavorful, with just a few simple ingredients. Try serving them with crumbled goat cheese and pumpkin seeds for extra flavors and great texture.

Slow Cooker Wild Rice Pilaf

Photo Credit: cleanplatemama.com

This winter-y rice pilaf is packed with veggies like Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, onions, and celery. A last-minute sprinkling of sliced almonds adds a pop of crunchy texture.

Butternut Squash Soup

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Made almost entirely from vegetables, this easy soup recipe is filled with carrots, onion, apples, sweet potato, and butternut squash (of course!), and is flavored with fresh garlic cloves and ginger. Cozy and delicious, creamy and nourishing ... and so good alongside practically any type of main course. You can even leave out the splash of half-and-half to keep it healthier.

Slow Cooker Red Cabbage and Apples

Photo Credit: www.thefoodblog.net

Flavored with apples, onions, caraway, and honey, this is a delicious, comforting sweet-and-sour dish that pairs beautifully with the holiday's roasted meats.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Photo Credit: www.mjandhungryman.com

A Christmastime favorite that's a snap to make in your crockpot! With the addition of orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and a crunchy pecan topping, this lightened-up spin on a beloved side dish is sure to make your family and guests happy!

Slow Cooker Applesauce

Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

We're talkin' easy homemade applesauce with none of the work or hassles (no peeling!) and no added sugar. Mix in some cinnamon and holiday spices, or keep it plain as an accompaniment to roasted meats. The final product is up to you, but will always be delicious!

Easy Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

Photo Credit: slowcookermeals.com

These are even easier to make than oven-baked potatoes, and they're already seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper, for a baked potato with the perfect amount of flavor and tenderness. Top 'em any way you like!

Healthy Crockpot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Photo Credit: www.hauteandhealthyliving.com

Winter squash bumps up the cozy and festive flavors of traditional mac and cheese, and even helps make it lighter and more flavorful, too. Lots of great tips, variations and ideas for tasty add-ins!

Slow Cooker Appetizers and Drinks

Whether you're hosting a potluck party, or just looking for crockpot recipe ideas to help kick off your holiday dinner menu, these easy recipes are a great way to keep your appetizer nibbles (and drinks) warm and at-the-ready!

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Photo Credit: www.dinneratthezoo.com

Remember those old-school meatballs with grape jelly sauce? This is a similar concept, expect the cranberry sauce is so much more holiday-ish! The author notes she prefers to use turkey meatballs since turkey and cranberry are a classic combo, and since turkey meatballs are a little lighter and healthier.

Easy Crockpot Wassail

Photo Credit: quichemygrits.com

This pretty winter sipper starts with apple cider and cranberry juice, then kicks up the flavor with sliced oranges, apples, fresh cranberries, and aromatic spices. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and will stay warm in your slow cooker as long as you like!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Perhaps the #1 most quintessential party dip, this appetizer just never gets old! Ideal for Christmas potlucks, holiday football parties, or even to kick off a casual family dinner party. (Psssst ... for more appetizer ideas along this line, check out our collection of Appetizers for a Christmas Potluck.)

Dairy Free Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Photo Credit: kitskitchen.com

This ultra rich and creamy recipe is a terrific alternative to "typical" hot chocolates since it can be enjoyed even by guests with certain dietary restrictions. It's actually dairy free, gluten free, paleo, and can be made keto ... but nobody would ever guess! Plus, it's so easy – simply dump everything in your slow cooker, whisk it up, then set it on high and you're good to go!

Italian-Style Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

Photo Credit: www.dinneratthezoo.com

Made with lean ground turkey, parmesan cheese, herbs and spices, these party meatballs are slow simmered to tender perfection in an easy tomato sauce, right in your crockpot. Set out festive toothpicks for a simple but hearty appetizer everyone will love!

Homemade Apple Cider

Photo Credit: foodworthfeed.com

This easy cider recipe is bursting with orchard-fresh apple flavor, mulled with cinnamon and warm spices. It makes your house smell absolutely amazing, welcoming all your Christmas guests with cozy aromas!

Healthier Reuben Dip

Although this popular party dip can also be prepared in the microwave or oven, the crockpot is a great way to keep it warm and perfectly dip-able all throughout the party. With all the classic flavors you want, plus sneaky tweaks to keep it lighter and more waistline-friendly, too!

Easy Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Photo Credit: www.ditchthecarbs.com

A beautiful blend of winter spices with red wine and brandy. And, besides being ridiculously easy to make in your crockpot to begin with, it can also be made ahead and reheated at party time ... or even frozen!

Slow Cooker Christmas Desserts

Your slow cooker is a fabulous way to cook your dessert and have it perfectly warm, ready and waiting ... whenever dessert time rolls around!

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Photo Credit: thefoodiephysician.com

A delicious, rustic dessert that'll feed a crowd and is such a snap to make – with no need to even turn on the oven! Sweet apples are cooked until tender with cinnamon and sugar, and finished with a crumbly oat topping. It’s a perfect dessert for entertaining and makes a wonderful addition to your holiday menu!

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Quick Caramel Sauce

Photo Credit: karalydon.com

This bread pudding makes the typical holiday pumpkin pie look BOR-ING. Plus, this clever recipe substitutes half of the usual heavy cream with Greek yogurt, and also cuts back on the sugar a bit, for a nice, lightened-up treat at the end of a heavy Christmas meal!

Easy Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake

Photo Credit: www.ditchthecarbs.com

This decadent, warm chocolate cake is kind of like a crockpot "dump cake" ... with a delightful combination of cake-y and fudgy. Scoop it straight from your slow cooker for an easy way to get your holiday chocolate fix!

Slow Cooker Baked Apples

Photo Credit: www.themagicalslowcooker.com

These could honestly be a breakfast, too ... if you can resist topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Delicious, no matter when you serve them!

Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Ideas

Toss breakfast together in the slow cooker, and you'll be free to relax and enjoy Christmas morning, without having to fuss in the kitchen and miss all the action 'round the tree!

Slow Cooker Overnight Pecan Pie Oatmeal

Photo Credit: www.ihearteating.com

Why wait until dessert time to enjoy your Christmas pie?!? This recipe takes the flavors of maple and brown sugar and pairs them with creamy steel cut oats. Add in crunchy pecans on top for some texture and crunch, and you've got a yummy breakfast you can prep the night before, for a low-stress Christmas morning!

Christmas Morning Slow Cooker Omelet

Photo Credit: www.primaverakitchen.com

Ham, red bell pepper, onion, and mozzarella cheese are a yummy filling, and a garnish of fresh green parsley and pretty red tomatoes adds a final touch of Christmas colors!

Slow Cooker Blueberry Banana Bread

Photo Credit: bakingqueen74.co.uk

Did you know you could bake bread in your crockpot? How fun is this?!? Vanilla, cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup make it extra cozy for the holidays.

Crockpot Butternut Squash Oatmeal

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

With a long, slow cook time, this overnight crockpot recipe will awaken your family with enticing breakfast smells. It cooks to creamy perfection while you're sound asleep, with visions of sugarplums dancing in your head!

Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Photo Credit: fantabulosity.com

A scrumptious, warm and comforting breakfast recipe that’s ideal for a snuggly Christmas morning. With a prep time of only 5 minutes, it'll get you out of the kitchen and back to the fun FAST!

Slow Cooker Sausage and Egg Casserole

Photo Credit: kalynskitchen.com

This egg casserole frees you up to do something else while it's cooking, which is fantastic when you're busy entertaining holiday houseguests. And this type of crockpot “baking” infuses the egg with the flavors of the other ingredients a bit more than simply cooking it in the oven.

Overnight Crockpot Banana Bread Oatmeal

Photo Credit: www.ihearteating.com

Filled with the beloved flavors of banana bread, this oatmeal takes just a few minutes to prep ... and then you wake up to a hot, healthy, yummy breakfast just in time to see if Santa Claus visited!

Dinner Recipes for Busy Holiday-Season Weeknights

Although we're mostly focusing here on festive recipes specifically for holiday parties, buffets and the big, main-event Christmas dinner, I thought all you crockpot lovers out there might need a few gems to serve up on the other "normal" nights of the busy holiday season, too. Below are some of my own family's favorite, easy slow cooker dinners, to help make the whole bustling season a little simpler (and a lot more delicious)!

Crock Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken and Bacon

Just toss everything in the slow cooker ... so ridiculously easy! This creamy, satisfying soup has the sweetness of corn and just a hint of smoky bacon. It's warm and hearty for blustery winter evenings. A perfect way to welcome your family to the dinner table this Christmas season!

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

This dump-and-go recipe totally doesn’t taste like it only took 10 minutes of effort! Offer rice and lots of different toppings, and your whole family will be happy customizing their own Mexican dinner masterpieces (and you'll be stress-free and enjoying every moment of the holidays)!

Crock-Pot Crazy Pineapple Chili

This contest-winning chili recipe has an amazing flavor twist that people go crazy over!

Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Stew with Potatoes, Carrots and Tomatoes

Lean into pantry staples you can easily keep on hand, and you can throw this dinner together any time. Tender chicken, potatoes, and carrots and a rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce add up to a comforting dinner with virtually no effort at all!

Crock-Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

Featuring a quick homemade Caesar dressing, these popular sandwiches are both delicious and healthy. Great for weeknight dinners!

Classic, Healthy Crock-Pot Turkey Chili

This is my family’s go-to, classic chili recipe! It's boldly flavored without being too spicy (but don’t worry – we’ve got tips for you if you like it hot).

3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

One of the most popular dinner recipes I've ever shared here on my site, these super-easy, super-yummy tacos are a true family favorite and absolutely perfect for busy nights. Let everyone top 'em any way they like ... even set out a taco bar for a casual, Christmas season get-together!

Need Some NON-Crock-Pot Christmas Recipes?

Oh, don’t you worry … we’ve got lots and lots of delicious ideas for you!

We have plenty of suggestions for holiday-shaped, CUTE Christmas Appetizers, including our popular Christmas Tree Dip and Easy Hummus Wreath. We’ve also got lots of fast, last-minute, Easy Christmas Appetizers, like our 5-Minute Pomegranate Salsa and 7-Minute Cranberry Salsa.

And if you need some impressive holiday sides with major WOW factor, try our wreath-shaped Christmas Salad or our adorable Christmas Tree Holiday Salad.

Our layered Christmas Fruit Salad is gorgeous for holiday brunches, and as a refreshing, light, dinner side dish option, too.

Lastly, if you’re one of the many people serving a standing rib roast for the holidays, don’t miss our collection of Prime Rib Side Dishes for Christmas and Celebrations.

See ALL Our Christmas Recipes!

Make your life a little easier this holiday season and let your slow cooker do some of the heavy lifting … while you sit back, relax and actually ENJOY the holidays!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I hope it’s your most wonderful and your very most delicious ever!

The post 55 Easy Christmas Crockpot Recipes appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Shelley — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:45:03 +0000

~ Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a crowd-pleaser! The perfect appetizer for all sorts of parties, from summer potlucks to family holidays – and definitely for sports parties and tailgates. Even better, this recipe features handy shortcuts (hello, slow cooker!), plus upgrades to slash calories and fat (don’t worry, though – nobody will even notice)! ~

This Recipe Is: • Make Ahead •

When it’s party time and you’re in charge of the appetizer, you want a couple of things:

#1 It’s gotta be a guaranteed hit. You wanna bring home an empty dish, with people nudging you to beg for the recipe!

#2 And, if you’re like me, you also need it to be EASY. Because somehow there’s just never enough time in the day, and definitely not enough time to hassle with fussy, time-consuming recipes.

This slow cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip ticks allllll the boxes!

I mean, Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of those classic, everybody-loves-it recipes that’s always the first to disappear. Mmmmmm …

A creamy, double-cheesy base
That addictive, perfectly spicy Frank’s RedHot buffalo wing sauce
Shreds of white meat chicken breast
Crunchy little pops of sweet onion and refreshing celery
An undercurrent of cooling, savory ranch dressing

My oh my.

There’s a reason why Buffalo Chicken Dip is an absolute must-have on every appetizer buffet. It’s just so darn good!

And EASY? Oh my goodness, yes!

Thanks to a couple shortcuts, this recipe is about as easy as it can possibly get. You can even prep it totally ahead, whenever you happen to have a few moments. (Pssssst … Don’t want to use your slow cooker? We’ve got a speedy microwave version of our Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip, too!)

Oh … and one more little added bonus for ya …

This version is secretly a lot healthier, too! (But shhhhhhhhh … nobody will notice if you don’t tell ’em!)

How We {Secretly} Slashed Calories and Fat

Typical Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipes are usually completely bogged down with full-fat cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing.

Soooooo many calories and so much unnecessary extra fat.

Some recipes also involve sautéing the veggies in butter.

* Ugh *

It all adds up … adding inches to your waistline and heading on in to clog up your appetizer-loving arteries.

Fortunately, it’s a super-easy problem to tackle … and nobody is gonna notice the upgrades. You can just secretly give yourself a little high-five for offering your friends and loved ones something that’s a teeny bit better for them, while still so gosh-darn party-ful and delicious!

* Happiness *

We’ve got a lot of “buffalo” recipes here on our site (including sandwiches, nachos, salads, and even buffalo cauliflower).

So when my son, Ty, and I decided we obviously needed to add a crockpot chicken dip to our list of buffalo-themed recipes, it was easy to figure out how to create a classic version of this beloved appetizer … that we could actually feel a lot better about eating (and serving to people we love)!

Here’s all we did to upgrade everybody’s fave Buffalo Chicken Dip and make it more THK-worthy:

√ We used reduced-fat cheddar and cream cheese.

√ And we, used less of them (especially the cream cheese) than many other recipes call for. Our version isn’t so runny and gloppy as a lot of other versions – all those creamy ingredients are still a perfect backdrop for our dip, but they don’t overwhelm the chicken. Because this is supposed to be a Buffalo Chicken Dip, right? Not a buffalo cheese-goo dip!

√ We ditched the butter altogether, since we actually didn’t like sautéing the veggies first, anyway. As I’ll talk about more in a sec, we prefer to add raw onion and celery close to the end of the cooking time, so they’re a little crunchier and more texturally interesting. Buh-bye, butter!

√ We switched out that regular, bottled brand of full-fat ranch (you know the one) for a Greek-yogurt-based brand. (After doing our own taste tests, we prefer Bolthouse Farms brand Classic Ranch from among the Greek yogurt ranch dressings at our local store – but choose whichever healthier, lower-fat ranch dressing you prefer).

Ta-da! It’s seriously that simple. A few small tweaks make a huge difference!

And I’m completely serious when I tell you that everyone at the party is gonna love this version.

They’re not going to wonder what’s missing (you know … all the extra fat and calories …). They’re not even going to notice.

They’re gonna be too busy scraping the bottom of the bowl and asking for the recipe. Yay, you!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Crockpot

This is so easy, guys! You only need a few, simple ingredients.

And you can prep everything and even mix it together ahead of time (even the day before)!

Here’s all ya have to do:

Step #1

Put the chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, ranch and Frank’s Red Hot in your appetizer-sized slow cooker (one that’s about 1 – 1 1/2 quarts in size, like this model we used in our photos and testing).

(Note that in our method photos, one batch of this recipe fills our 1 1/2 quart crockpot about half to two-thirds full, which is the recommended amount of food for heating in most slow cooker brands. For the “beauty shots” where the slow cooker is filled to the top, we piled in some extra dip from a second batch.)

Give it all a good stir.

Pro Tip: Choose Your Crunch Level

You can optionally add the celery and onion now (before cooking), if you want them to be less crunchy and less noticeable in the finished dip. But, we definitely prefer the great texture that crunchy veggies add. So, we like to wait and stir them in toward the end of the cooking time.

Step #2

Cook your dip on low for about 1 1/2 – 2 hours, until it’s hot and melty.

Step #3

Stir it again, adding the celery and onion (if you’re like us and want that great, crunchier texture).

Step #4

Switch your dip to the “warm” setting and serve it up to your happy partygoers!

If you’d like, you can toss some sliced green onions on top for garnish. Or … just step back and let everyone dive on in there!

Pro Tip: Choose Your Heat Level

We love the amount of bold, buffalo-y kick we get from using 1/4 cup of Frank’s Red Hot “Original” hot sauce (note that we’re not using the Frank’s Wings Buffalo Sauce here – go with Original). But, you can adjust this to your preference.

If you taste your dip and want it a bit kickier, simply stir a little more hot sauce in.

If you want to dial back the heat, try adding just a little more cream cheese (stirring it in until it melts) and/or ranch to cool things down slightly. (And, of course, make yourself a little note on this recipe so you can adjust the heat at the start next time you make it.)

Cheat: Faster Prep!

Running late? Didn’t get your dip in the crockpot far enough ahead of party time?

No problem!

It’s easy to get this chicken dip perfectly melty-hot and ready for a party much faster … without the 1 1/2 – 2 hour crockpot cooking time.

Simply combine the chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat it up in the microwave. Once it’s ready, spoon your heated Buffalo Chicken Dip into your slow cooker (adding the celery and onion if you chose not to add them at the beginning … see our suggestions about that above).

Poof! Crisis averted!

You’re party-ready in moments … just in time for your guests to be ringing the doorbell. Whew!

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip

Lots of crunchy dippers are a must!

• Celery and carrot sticks are obvious choices. Pretty much any time you order buffalo wings at a restaurant, those wings are served up with carrots and celery. And those two veggies translate perfectly into vehicles for scooping up this scrumptious dip, too. Plus, you know … if you’re shooting for healthier options, veggies are always a great bet!

• Tortilla chips. Yes, please! But, you can upgrade the options, here, too.

› First of all, be sure to offer thick, substantial chips that can stand up to dipping. Not those flimsy “restaurant-style” chips that can only hold their own against thin salsas. Broken chips lost down in the dip = party foul!

› And, to keep the nutrition factor a tiny bit higher, we usually turn to healthier chips whenever we can, like the multigrain ones in our pics. Or, try baked options.

• Other crackers or toasted bread. Annnnnnnd … you know what I’m gonna suggest again, right? Whole grains, for the win! Not only are they more nutritious, but they’re also a lot more texturally interesting!

Bottom line: offer plenty of great dip-able options, and let everybody happily dip away!

What to Do with Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip

Straight-up, I’m gonna tell you that this probably won’t be a problem.

Your dip’s gonna be long gone, and the hungry partygoers are gonna be wishing you’d made more!

But … just in case … I do have a few ideas for you.

• Nachos – You can easily turn leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip into super-fun nachos. Kinda like our Baked Buffalo Chicken Nachos recipe – you can use that as loose inspiration for your creation.

• Sandwiches – You can also give leftover dip new life as an amazing sandwich filling. Check out our Buffalo Chicken Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwiches to see what I mean!

• A Pasta Dinner (Surprised??) – I’ve even reheated Buffalo Chicken Dip on the stovetop, adding lots of nonfat milk, until it’s the consistency of pasta sauce. And then, hold me back! Dinner is served (and it’s ahhhhh-mazing)! Don’t believe me that Buffalo Chicken is to-die-for with pasta??? Our Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad begs to differ!

You just might end up making a gi-normous batch of this dip (and hiding some waaaaaay in the back of the fridge where nobody at the party will find it!) … just so you’ll have leftovers. You won’t be sorry!

FAQs At-a-Glance

Do I Have to Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Nope! Any cooked chicken breast will work fine. I’ve honestly even used canned chicken breast before. In fact, if you know that you’re going to be making this dip in a day or two, and you happen to be cooking chicken breasts for another purpose – you could just go ahead and cook a couple extra breasts to have on hand for making this appetizer dip.

Do I Have to Use a Sweet Onion?

We prefer sweet onions in this recipe, especially when we’re adding them to the dip near the end of the cooking time so they stay crunchy. Sweet onions are milder and less assertive, so they don’t overwhelm the other ingredients. But, in a pinch, you can sub regular white or yellow onions, especially if you’re adding them earlier in the cooking time so their pungent, raw flavor mellows out a little.

How Long Does Buffalo Chicken Dip Last?

Realistically, this will be gobbled up in about 5 minutes flat. But, if you do happen to find yourself with leftover Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip, it should keep in the fridge for 3-5 days (as long as it’s been kept at a safely hot temp during the party). Perfect for a little mid-afternoon nibble during the week!

Can You Double This Recipe?

Definitely! This is super easy to scale up for bigger parties. And, you may also want to scale the recipe up, depending on the exact size of your “appetizer-sized” crockpot.

Your New, Party Appetizer Superstar

This oh-so EASY Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is everything you want an appetizer to be.

It’s incredibly delicious. (Yes, everyone will LOVE it!)

It’s crazy-easy … perfect for days when time is tight (like, you know, pretty much every day ever).

And (surprise!) it’s even healthier, too!

Say hello to your shiny new, go-to appetizer recipe. Party-ready and totally hassle-free!

Love the Recipe? • Were My Tips Helpful?

__________

Please leave a star-rating in the recipe card below – I truly appreciate all your wonderful feedback!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Yield: 2 1/2 cups

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a huge hit, and it's really easy to make ahead! This version even slashes calories and fat, too (don't worry, though – nobody will ever notice)!

• Make Ahead •

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups shredded boneless, skinless chicken breast (we use rotisserie chicken; see note)
1 cup reduced-fat, shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese)
6 tablespoons reduced-fat, Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing (see note)
1/4 cup Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (see note)
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced sweet onion
optional for garnish: thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

Mix the chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce together in a small, appetizer-sized slow cooker (We use this 1 1/2-quart model in our photos).
Cook on low for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours (see note for faster cooking suggestion), until the cheddar is fully melted.
Before serving, stir cooked dip to make sure everything is smoothly incorporated, and then stir in celery and onion. (We prefer to stir the celery and onion in at the end, so they're still crunchy, but if you prefer, you can add them with all the other ingredients at the beginning, for a smoother consistency.)
If desired, garnish with a few thinly sliced green onions. The dip can be switched to the crockpot's "warm" setting to keep it at a perfect temperature for serving during a party.

Notes

Chicken: We always use rotisserie chicken breast for this recipe. It's a quick, easy option. But, nearly any boneless, skinless chicken breasts will also work well here, as long as they’re not seasoned with spices or marinades that compete with the other flavors in this recipe. If you prefer, you can simply plan on cooking a couple of extra chicken breasts whenever you’re making chicken, so you'll have extra cooked chicken for this recipe without any extra work.

Ranch dressing: To slash fat and calories, we use a reduced-fat, yogurt-based dressing (typically found in your grocery store's refrigerated section, sometimes near the salad greens, not in the regular salad dressing aisle). After testing several brands, we like the flavor of Bolthouse Farms Classic Ranch the best. If you can't find that specific brand, choose the healthiest you can find (that also tastes great).

Hot sauce: We like to use 1/4 cup of Frank's "Original" for this recipe. That amount creates a bold, pleasantly spicy "buffalo wing" flavor. However, as we discuss in greater detail in the post, you can adjust that amount to taste.

Faster cooking: To get the dip hot and ready for a party much faster, you can heat the chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, and then transfer the heated ingredients (adding the celery and onion) to your slow cooker to keep warm throughout your party.

Make-ahead steps: You can mix up the chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce earlier in the day or a day before. You can also dice the onions and celery and store them in separate baggies. Refrigerate everything until proceeding with the recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20 servings Serving Size: 2 tablespoons dip
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 62Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 156mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g

Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only, and may vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation. No guarantees are made regarding allergies or dietary needs. Always consult a physician or dietician for specific advice and questions.

The post Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Shelley — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:53:44 +0000

~ This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is such an easy way to enjoy a Mexican feast on even the busiest nights! So simple to throw together (hurray, slow cooker!) and a true family fave. Terrific for potlucks, tailgating, and make-your-own burrito bars. You can even skip the rice, set out some tortilla chips, and call it a hearty appetizer. This has absolutely everything going for it! ~

(Originally published as Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls on September 10, 2015.)

This Recipe Is: • Make Ahead •

Need a dump-and-go recipe that totally doesn’t taste like it only took 10 minutes of effort? A really delicious, ssssssuuuuuper easy dinner?

Yes, I think we all need that … at least some days!

Heck, maybe you even need that today?!? You might just wanna whip out your crock pot and make this for dinner tonight. (Ahem … that’s encouraged, by the way!) Our Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is your answer to pretty much all of life’s questions. Yes. It’s that good! Check out our little tutorial video, and see for yourself how EASY … and totally drool-worthy … this recipe is!

Video Tutorial

See what we mean?!? Yeah – this recipe kinda has it all goin’ on!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s Mexican (hello, DIY Chipotle!)

• And in the crockpot (so simple … like all our crockpot chicken recipes!)

• And, well, just plain scrumptious (always a hit!)

Plus, this recipe is so darn easy to throw together. Literally 10 minutes of effort, tops! It’s basically a riff on one of the most popular and absolute EASIEST recipes we’ve ever published – our 3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos. This recipe spins the taco concept into a Chipotle-style Burrito Bowl. But it’s still ultra-quick and easy, I promise! Oh – and do you need to make a big batch of Burrito Bowls? Maybe for tailgating, or a backyard potluck, or a casual dinner party? No problem! It’s really simple to double this recipe. And if all that wasn’t terrific enough, this recipe is super cost-efficient – coming in at around $3.25 per serving. (Yeah … that’s a lot less expensive than Chiptole’s Burrito Bowls, for sure!)

Alllll the Burrito Goodies You Love!

My version of this favorite Mexican dinner has all the yummy things you love to have stuffed inside a chicken burrito. The flavors, the textures, the toppings. It’s all here!

We’re talkin’ …

Tender, seasoned chicken
Flavorful veggies like sunshine-y sweet corn, plus black beans and onions
Big Mexican flavors from a double-hit of salsa and green chilie-studded tomatoes
A generous sprinkling of fresh cilantro for a final pop
All layered up on a bed of rice, with whatever burrito-style toppings your little heart desires. (With the big bonus that everybody’s little heart can desire a different topping bonanza … customize each Burrito Bowl just the way you please!)

I’ve been making this recipe for my family and friends for years, and they usually end up licking their bowls, exclaiming, “This is soooo yummy!” And then they ask, “When are you sharing this on THK??”

Well, it’s today! Today is the day!! But wait. Maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Are you still sort of scratching your head, wondering …

What Is a Burrito Bowl? (And Why Is It Kinda Better Than an Old-School Burrito?)

Glad you asked! A burrito in a bowl is basically everything you’d put into a “traditional” rolled-up burrito, except you ditch the tortilla and the rolling, and just layer up everything in a bowl. Great concept, right??

√ You can save on carbs and calories by skipping the tortilla.

√ It’s a lot less messy … just grab a fork and dig on in there. No need to worry about tortilla rips and messy spills down your shirt {embasarssing!}.

√ Also, going wrap-less makes it easier to save portions for later and re-heat. Meal prep, anyone??

No wonder Chicken Burrito Bowls are such a runaway hit at restaurants like Chipotle! But, I know what you’re really wondering … so, without further ado, let’s dive in and find out how you can make this yourself!

How to Make Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Burrito Bowls (specifically our version) are incredibly easy to whip up. We’ve got just 4 steps here, friends!

Step #1

Layer your chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, and veggies in your slow cooker. (See what I mean about EASY?!?)

Step #2

Turn on the slow cooker and put your feet up for a few hours! (Or, let’s be realistic, you could also use this luxurious extra time to knock a few things off your busy to-do list.)

Step #3

Just before you serve up your Bowls (to thunderous applause and adoring cheers, of course), shred the chicken, toss in some cilantro, and give it all a good stir.

Step #4

Serve! (Is this actually even a step???) For the true Chicken Burrito Bowl vibe, you’ll probably want to spoon your chicken mixture over rice. That’s all you really need. It’s delicious just as it is. But, I usually also set out some additional toppings to turn the yumminess factor up even further.

What to Put in a Burrito Bowl

Depending on what your family likes, and what you have on hand, you could try:

shredded lettuce
chopped tomatoes
shredded, reduced-fat cheese
chopped avocados or guacamole
reduced-fat sour cream
chopped green onions
chopped fresh cilantro
hot sauce

Are Burrito Bowls Healthy?

Yes, Burrito Bowls are healthy (if you do them right). Like any recipe, there are things you can tweak that will make them healthier.

And, of course, you know I’ve got some suggestions to help you wave your health-ification wand. I mean, this is THK, after all! Here are some things I recommend, to maximize this recipe’s nutrition potential:

1) If you’re serving this over rice, serve it with brown rice instead of white.

2) If you’re serving it with chips (like an appetizer … more on that in a minute …), choose multigrain or whole grain tortilla chips.

3) Use low sodium taco seasoning and avoid mixes that contain MSG.

4) Top it with reduced-fat cheeses and sour cream, instead of the full-fat varieties that have larger amounts of unhealthy fats and typically also more calories.

Can You Put Frozen Chicken in a Crock-Pot?

Short answer: No … Reputable cooking sites, cookbooks and food safety resources agree that it’s not a good idea. As we explain in more detail in our post about cooking frozen meat in your slow cooker:

√ Slow cookers don’t reliably get frozen meat up to a safe temperature (above 140°F) evenly enough or quickly enough.

√ Your meat will likely spend too much time hovering in the danger zone (from 40°F – 140°F), which opens the door for bacteria to flourish.

Not yummy … or safe! So, even if you’ve heard tales about people doing this with no problem, we urge you not to risk it. It’s NOT a safe idea.

How (and When) to Serve These Bowls

You’ve got lots of options for creating a fiesta-style Mexican dinner with this crock pot recipe as the base.

These Chicken Burrito Bowls are perfect:

• In the winter as a nice, warm, comfort-food dinner. Mmmmmmm … your house will smell so, so good when you walk in after a long day!

• Taco Tuesday and Cinco de Mayo – of course! These Bowls are an instant fiesta! (Psssst … try our Mexican Fiesta Black Bean Hummus to kick off the fiesta fun.)

• They’re also great at casual potlucks, for tailgating parties, or for a make-your-own-burrito bar (think easy graduation parties and family reunions). Everybody enjoys customizing their own! And, it even sparks conversations as people compare notes on topping strategies, which is a terrific ice breaker if you’re hosting a party where not everyone knows each other.

• Oh … and all those busy weeknights (which occur all year long!).

• And if you love meal prep recipes, this is a winner for ya, too! The leftovers are wonderful, so you can even stretch this burrito meal over a couple nights or take extras for lunch throughout the week. Niiiiiice!

Serving This As an Appetizer

Weird but true … this recipe is even fabulous as a hearty appetizer. No kidding! I saw this surprising phenomenon in action when I made these Bowls for an impromptu backyard party. After everyone had ooooohed and aaaaaaahed and yummed their way through dinner, I noticed that my guests were grabbing tortilla chips and scraping up every last bit of chicken burrito filling from the bottom of the bowl. For real!

An Appetizer Dip

This pairs really {really!} well with tortilla chips. Just skip the rice, and dig your chips on in there.

Mmmmmmm … A Nacho Platter

You could really get super-crazy here and layer up a nacho platter. Maybe run your creation under the broiler to melt some gooey cheese on top, and then toss on lots of those toppings we suggested, like diced tomatoes and chopped lettuce and avocado. Oh my goodness!

This Recipe Was Even Featured in a Cookbook

We originally published this beloved Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe in a cookbook, as a special project we worked on with Feeding America, to raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank.

And now … we can share the cookbook (in addition to this super-popular Burrito Bowl recipe), with all of you! Want the cookbook?

You can sign up for our email list and receive the e-book (for FREE!)
Or, you can buy the physical copy on Amazon and proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida!

But maybe there’s no time for a cookbook today … you just need to get dinner ready. I hear ya! Just want our extra-super-delicious Chicken Burrito Bowl ASAP? Pop on down to the recipe card and get a batch simmering in your slow cooker for dinner tonight!

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Yield: 7 cups (plus rice and optional toppings)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

This Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is a perfect Mexican feast on even busy nights! So simple to create a fun burrito bar anytime!

This Recipe Is: • Make Ahead •

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (1.25-ounce) packet low-sodium taco seasoning (see note)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from about two ears of corn if using fresh)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (preferably organic or reduced-sodium)
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite salsa
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies with juice (such as Ro-Tel)
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
brown rice, cooked and hot, for serving
optional topping ideas: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded reduced-fat cheese, chopped avocados or guacamole, reduced-fat sour cream, chopped green onions, additional chopped fresh cilantro, and hot sauce

Instructions

Place chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and onions over chicken. Pour salsa and canned tomatoes on top.
Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
Just before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken. Add cilantro. Stir to combine ingredients.
Serve over brown rice with optional toppings as desired.

Notes

Taco seasoning: We recommend avoiding taco seasoning mixes that contain MSG. Also, there are differences in the amounts of sodium (and other ingredients) in various brands, so it’s a good idea to read the nutrition information for the brands offered at your store.

To serve as an appetizer: To serve this as a hearty appetizer dip, simply omit the rice and serve alongside whole-grain tortilla chips.

Make-ahead tips: The Chicken Burrito mixture refrigerates beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for a second dinner or lunches later in the week. Great for meal prep!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 7 servings Serving Size: 1 cup chicken mixture (plus rice and optional toppings)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 314Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 754mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 8gSugar: 5gProtein: 38g

Nutrition calculation does not include rice and optional toppings, as those can vary. Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only, and may additionally vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation. No guarantees are made regarding allergies or dietary needs. Always consult a physician or dietician for specific advice and questions.

The post Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

Gretchen — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:07:54 +0000

~ With just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, these EASY and delicious Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are an absolute lifesaver on busy nights! Enjoy them very simply, just rolled in tortillas … or create a festive taco bar featuring your family’s favorite toppings! (Originally published on January 8, 2014. Text and photos refreshed, but recipe remains the same.) ~

This Recipe: • Includes Make-Ahead Steps •

We all have that one recipe.

The one that doesn’t even require a peek at the recipe card. The one that’s your standby and always saves the day when you have no idea what’s for dinner. You know what I mean.

At our house, these Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos (aka Crock Pot Chicken Tacos OR Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos OR just “Oh Yum”!) really are “that one” recipe.

The one that never ever fails to be awesome.

The one that we are always excited to eat.

Wanna get really excited, too? Then check out our video tutorial on how ridiculously easy this recipe is! (While your tummy rumbles and begs you to make this ASAP, and you maybe drool just a little bit on your screen.)

Video Tutorial

It’s Just Always That Good!

True story: When my little ones dash into the house after school, if their first whiff of home is the incredible aromas of these chicken tacos … well, they do that silly fist-pump move where they make a fist and say “YEAH!!!” while pumping an arm up and down.

Uh-huh … that really happens … because it’s sooo goooood.

I was sure everyone on the earth had the recipe for my go-to. It was super popular on Pinterest 8 or 9 years ago, and I tell pretty much everybody I talk to about it. So, I just assumed everyone must make this constantly.

I guess not!

When I first mentioned this recipe to Shelley, she looked at me like I was loony. She’d never heard of it!

(When this happens, I joke that she lives under a rock. She knows so much about so many things, and has tried pretty much every food known to man, so if I come up with something new to her, I do my own little dance. Well, it’s more of me just clicking my heels. Alright fine. I usually just high-five. Myself.)

Ok anyhow …

If Shelley didn’t know anything about this, we realized there must surely be others out there whose lives have a similar gaping hole. But no more … today we’re gonna fix that!

So this recipe. This is the one that I make all. the. time.

The Very Best Part of All

Absolute best part?

It goes in the crock pot. Yes, friends. We’re talking a 5-minute prep, and then you just let your slow cooker work its magic.

You’ll just need another 5 minutes to finish the crock pot chicken tacos before you sit down to eat. Serious.

I went back and scoured my Pinterest boards, my pins, my notes – and I can’t figure out who to credit for this awesome recipe. In my research, I saw a reference that Weight Watchers had a recipe like this years ago, so we decided that must have been the genesis of the whole idea. But a Google search and a search of the Weight Watchers site didn’t yield a similar recipe we could link to for this. Ah, well … we’re gonna give them the credit, anyway!

Tested and Re-tested … And It Just Never Fails

In typical THK fashion, we both needed to test this recipe before we shared it with you all. You know we test … and test … and test again.

At first, Shelley was a little skeptical that something so incredibly simple could taste so good. But, she called me before her family was even done eating.

They were loving it. Loving it.

I’m so excited her family gave the thumbs-up (possibly with fist pumps, too) – because now I get to share this recipe with you!

Ok. Get your pens and paper, because you’ll want to take very good notes here.

Ready?

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Tacos (Easiest Ever Instructions!)

1. Put the chicken in your slow cooker.

2. Cover with taco seasoning.

3. Cover with a jar of salsa.

4. Walk away … and come on back when it’s dinnertime.

5. Shred your chicken and serve. (And be prepared for the fist pumps.)

Did you get all that? Should I run through it again?

Yep. It’s that simple!

Pssst … You’ll Also Love: Crock Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls AND Crock Pot Southwestern Corn Chowder!

How to Serve Your Tacos

The options here are pretty much endless … and entirely up to you!

• You can simply roll the chicken taco meat in a tortilla and call it a day. You don’t really need anything else.

• But, you can definitely get all fancy-schmancy, and add whatever additional toppings you like – maybe reduced fat cheese and sour cream, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes … there’s no wrong answer here. And, it’s wonderful that everyone at the table can make their own tacos, exactly how they like them. Happy kiddos, happy parents – happy everyone!

• This is a terrific option for family parties and taco bars, too. Set out a slow cooker full of delicious chicken taco meat, and let your guests have a blast creating their own masterpieces (while you relax, stress-free, and enjoy the party)!

• Or ditch the tortillas, and serve your shredded chicken piled on a taco salad. Maybe some whole grain tortilla chips tucked around the side. Fabulous!

• And speaking of tortilla chips, you could even use your chicken to top baked nachos for a great game day appetizer – kind of like we do with our Buffalo Chicken Nachos.

Plus, as if this just couldn’t get any better, the taco chicken meat reheats really well, too. So, it’s perfect for meal prepping and make-ahead meals for busy weeks.

No doubt, I totally think this’ll become your “go-to” recipe.

Shelley’s made it multiple times since that first (fist-pumpin’) night. And I just know it’ll soon be your fave, too!

Looking for More Crockpot Chicken Recipes That’ll Make Your Life EASY?

Oh! And be sure to read up on the question that’s so commonly asked about slow cooking:

Is It Safe to Use Frozen Meat in Your Crock-Pot?

3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

Yield: 5 cups chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

These Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are so ridiculously easy – just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep! Enjoy the shredded chicken very simply, just rolled in a tortilla ... or create an entire taco bar of festive toppings!

• Includes Make-Ahead Steps •

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (1.25-ounce) packet low-sodium taco seasoning (see note)
1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite salsa
Ideas for serving: tortillas or taco shells and your choice of optional toppings, such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, black beans, corn, chopped avocados or guacamole, reduced-fat sour cream, and hot sauce

Instructions

Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken.
Pour salsa on top.
Cook on low (for 6-8 hours) or high (for 4 hours).
Just before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken.
Stir to evenly distribute salsa throughout chicken.
Serve immediately with optional toppings as desired.

Notes

Taco seasoning: We recommend avoiding taco seasoning mixes that contain MSG. Also, there are differences in the amounts of sodium (and other ingredients) in various brands, so it's a good idea to read the nutrition information for the brands offered at your store.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 servings Serving Size: 1/2 cup shredded chicken
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 137Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 58mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 22g

The post 3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Crock Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken and Bacon

Shelley and Gretchen — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 13:14:16 +0000

~ Just toss everything in the slow cooker! This Crock Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken is so ridiculously easy! A creamy, satisfying soup with the sweetness of corn and just a hint of smoky bacon. Healthy, simple and absolutely delicious! (Originally published as Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder on February 6, 2014) ~

This Recipe Is: • Freezable • Make Ahead •

There’s a little running joke here in Ohio …

Ohio has four seasons: 1. Almost winter, 2. Winter, 3. Still winter, 4. Road construction.

Yeah, I know … funny-not-funny (at least if you live in Ohio). A little too true, maybe.

But with allllll that wintery-ness, we Ohioans are big-time into blankets, slippers, and comfort food. Comfort food experts, you might say. Because the cold weather makes us extra hungry (and cold, obviously … so, so cold).

We need comfort foods to soothe our cold, frozen little souls and melt through some of the chill. (Over dramatic? Ok. Maybe just a little. But only a little! )

Why We Looooove Crock Pot Corn Chowder

We want comfort food that’s fast. And easy. And delicious.

This Crock Pot Chicken Corn Chowder recipe’s got all that, and more! It perfectly combines:

the sweet, sunshiny flavors of corn (oh, summer … we remember how good you taste!)
with tender, hearty white-meat chicken and shreds of potatoes
plus just a hint of smoky bacon

All in a steamy, warm, rich, creamy, keep-you-toasty-because-it’s-negative-twenty-degrees-outside chowder.

The most comforting part of all? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away. No worries. It’s soooo easy!

Make-Ahead Tip!

You can even mix this Corn Chowder up in your crock-pot insert the night before … and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to fire up your slow cooker.

(Just think of the time saved in the morning! At least six minutes! You’ll probably need that time to put on your extra layer of clothes.)

Even better yet?

This Chicken Corn Chowder recipe makes a BIG batch. And it’ll still be fabulously delicious right on into another dinner later in the week, or as several warm, cozy lunches.

It’s Even Freezable!

Yup! For the ultimate in make-ahead meals, you can freeze the leftovers for another meal or two later!

So great for meal prep and for all those crazy-busy weeks when you really just need dinner to be already done!

After the incredible response to our 3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos and Crock-Pot Crazy Pineapple Chili, we knew you weren’t kidding about wanting quick, easy (yet healthy!) slow cooker meals.

Well, THK friends, we’ve got ya covered! Check out all Our Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes Ever – lots more ideas for making dinnertime easier – just like this amazing, hearty, family-favorite chowder!

Surprising Ingredients in This Corn Chowder with Chicken

Now, we know you may be kinda surprised about a few things.

Hmmmmm … bacon … in a THK recipe? And frozen onions … and cream of mushroom soup? Are you sure?!?!?

Yep! We’re sure!

There are actually some pretty specific reasons why, after all our recipe testing, we settled on the ingredients we’re using in this Chicken Corn Chowder. So let’s talk about a few of ’em that might be surprising you.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Sometimes this gets a bad rap for being too old-fashioned (you know … think 1950s cream-of-anything mystery casseroles!). But we did significant testing of brands and proportions. We found that there are some great new cream of mushroom soup choices on the market that offer a wonderful, creamy and flavorful backdrop for modern, healthy recipes.

Of the brands that are easily available to us, we generally reach for Health Valley Organic, which is low in calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium. Read the labels and choose the best that your grocery store offers.

Bacon

The bacon adds a wonderful, additional layer of flavor to an already-delicious Corn Chowder. This soup’s just not the same without it!

Of course, you could cook up your own turkey bacon, lower-fat center cut bacon – or even veggie bacon – and crumble it in. You could.

But occasionally we actually embrace the time-saving step of using pre-packaged real crumbled bacon (not Bac-Os). A little goes a long, long way by adding meaty, smoky depth of flavor to health-ified recipes like this soup.

Oh – and check out the nutrition label. Go ahead. We’ll wait.

We bet you’re looking at only about 25 calories and 1.5g total fat per tablespoon (we call for four tablespoons – 1/4 cup – in this recipe). Spread that out over allllllll those servings, and you’re getting a LOT of flavor without too much nutritional compromise.

Easy … and delicious. Do it!

Chicken (Hint: Don’t Use Frozen!)

Are you confused about whether you should use frozen chicken in crock-pot recipes? Yeah – we know … it’s a point of hot debate.

Our short answer is: Don’t Do It!

If you’ve got chicken in your freezer that you’d like to use for this recipe, thaw it properly first. (Wanna know why? Check out our post Is It Safe to Use Frozen Meat in Your Crock-Pot?).

Frozen Onions

Surprised again, right? Don’t be!

These beauties are a busy cook’s dream, at least in certain long-cooking recipes. They’re perfect in this Corn Chowder because they cook down enough to really soften and meld into the soup.

If you can’t find frozen onions or just happen to have a fresh onion you need to use – that’s ok, too. We’ve used fresh onions in this recipe many times. But given the choice, for this particular Corn Chowder, we definitely prefer the softer, silkier texture of frozen.

From a nutritional standpoint, frozen veggies are generally considered to be similar to fresh, and are sometimes even nutritionally superior because they’re allowed to fully ripen or mature, before being flash-frozen at their absolute peak.

Bonus of using frozen onions? It saves time … and tears!

Wow! That’s all a lot of explanation (and surprises) for such a quick and easy soup!

We don’t always share so much of the testing, research and nutritional discussions behind each of our recipes.

But, we know you THKers care about what goes into the food your family eats. And you want to know that the recipes you choose are fast … and yet also provide healthier options for fueling your family’s busy lives. So we thought you might be curious about some of the ingredients and methods we chose this time around.

Serving Ideas

But let’s get back to the chowder: fast and easy! Warm and comforting! Delicious! Yummmmm …

It’s a meal in itself!

Maybe garnish it with a bit of shredded, reduced-fat cheese or some pretty, fresh parsley, if you’d like. You really don’t need anything else!

But did you notice a clever idea in some of our photos?

For a fun twist, try serving your Corn Chowder in individual bread bowls. Divine!

Of course, we recommend choosing grainy or whole wheat bread for the extra nutrition. Plus, those choices tend to be sturdier and more texturally interesting, too.

However you serve it, your family will love it (and you’ll love how quick and simple it is to make)!

‘Nuff said!

Stay warm this almost-winter (and winter, and STILL winter) season, my friends! And share those blankets – you don’t need all five for yourself!

Crock Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken and Bacon

Yield: 10 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Just toss everything in the slow cooker! This Crock Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken has a delicious hint of smoky bacon. Creamy, satisfying, healthy and easy!

• Freezable • Make Ahead •

Ingredients

3 cups nonfat milk
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen corn kernels
2 cups frozen diced onions (see note)
2 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (sometimes labeled as country style)
2 (14 3/4-ounce) cans cream-style corn
1 (14-ounce) can organic cream of mushroom soup (we like Health Valley Organic – see note)
1/4 cup real bacon bits (not Bac-Os)
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
optional for serving: shredded reduced-fat cheese, minced fresh parsley, or whole grain rolls (personal bread bowls)

Instructions

Combine all ingredients except chicken breasts in your slow cooker, stirring to mix thoroughly and to break up any clumps of vegetables.
Add chicken breasts to mixture, pushing them to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Cook on low (6-8 hours), or on high (5 hours).
Just before serving, use two forks to shred chicken. Or, remove chicken from slow cooker onto a plate or cutting board and cut it into small cubes, and then return chicken to soup in slow cooker.
Serve soup sprinkled with cheese or parsley, if desired. Can be served in large, hollowed-out, whole-grain rolls as bread bowls.

Notes

Onions: For this recipe, we prefer to use frozen diced onions for two reasons. Of course, it saves the step of chopping the onions yourself. More importantly, however, the frozen onions break down better and become softer in the slow cooker, especially when cooking this soup quickly on high or for only six hours on low. You can certainly use fresh onion, chopped to equal 2 cups, if you would prefer your onions to be a bit more firm and crunchy in the final soup.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: When selecting a cream of mushroom soup, read the labels carefully, as ingredients and nutritional profiles vary widely. We recommend choosing an organic, lower fat brand such as Health Valley.

Make-ahead options: You can mix together all ingredients, except chicken, the night before cooking, and refrigerate overnight. Then just pour the refrigerated mixture into your slow cooker in the morning. We recommend adding the chicken in the morning when you begin cooking.

In addition, this soup makes a large batch, and refrigerates well to be reheated for meals later in the week. It also freezes well after cooking and can be frozen in a tightly sealed baggie or freezer container.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 servings Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 303Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gFiber: 4g

The post Crock Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken and Bacon appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Classic, Healthy Crock-Pot Turkey Chili

Shelley — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 11:42:51 +0000

(With Alternate Stovetop Directions)

~ Our family’s go-to, classic chili recipe! This Healthy Crock-Pot Turkey Chili is boldly flavored without being too spicy (but don’t worry – we’ve got tips for you if you like it hot)! It’s so easy in the slow cooker, or on the stovetop. Make a big, double or triple batch for parties or for meal prep freezer meals! ~

This Recipe Is: • Freezable • Make Ahead •

On a chilly evening, it’s hard to beat a comforting, classic bowl of chili!

Yeah, I realize I’m kind of the queen of unique chili recipes. (You’re remembering our contest-winning Pineapple Chili, right? Or our Indian-Spiced Turkey Chili, or even our pumpkin-based Vegetarian Chili?) There’s just something about chili – it begs for creative twists and unique ingredients!

But sometimes, what you really need is a classic. A tried-and-true, don’t-overthink-it, everybody-loves-it, classic.

This is that chili.

It’s got:

big, bold tomato-y flavor from the double-hit of tomato juice plus ketchup
a unique balance of sweetness and acidity from the tart lemon juice and vinegar, layered with a little bit of sweet brown sugar
terrific umami depth from the Worcestershire sauce
a mild spice level that everyone seems to enjoy (but don’t worry if you like it hot – we’ve got spicy suggestions for you in a bit …)

A Favorite Chili for Years (Decades, Even!)

This Crock-Pot Turkey Chili is pretty much always on the menu at my twins’ birthday party, year after year. I usually make a big, triple batch – and watch it magically disappear while everyone raves and scoops up seconds. They oooh and aaah and make happy, yummy nosies as if they’ve never tried it before … even though it’s exactly the same as what I served last year … and the year before that. Just always a favorite.

And in fact, it’s got a long, long track record of being a family favorite that dates way back before my kiddos were even born and needed me to throw them a birthday party. Way back to before I was even part of this family!

It’s adapted from a photocopied page out of one of my mother-in-law’s mid-20th-century cookbooks (we’ve debated which one it even was) – a recipe she’s been making practically forever, that she passed along to me. That photocopied page has dog-ears, handwritten notes in the margins, and spills and little food stains – all the sure signs of a well-loved recipe that’s been made a thousand times over.

I didn’t want to mess too much with a beloved classic, but through the ba-zillion times I’ve made it myself, I did manage a few nutrition tweaks (you know I couldn’t help myself there!). And I worked through some suggestions for how to make it in the slow cooker (the way I almost always do … yay – hands-free cooking magic!), as well as offering directions for how to simmer it on the stovetop the way the original recipe suggested.

How I Made This Chili Healthier

So, just how did I wave my health-ification magic wand over this classic chili recipe?

Well, as I’ve made this chili time after time, I tweaked several little things, always making sure it still tasted phenomenal. Here’s what I did:

ditched the butter
ditched the msg (a relic that almost no home cooks use anymore)
swapped the ground beef for lean turkey (more on that in a moment)
decreased the brown sugar

Turkey Chili … or Beef Chili?

I’ve tried this recipe with ground beef (as the original recipe directed) instead of ground turkey, too – and it’s terrific either way. But, with more and more Americans trying to reduce their consumption of red meat, this is a perfect recipe to make with turkey instead. With so many bold, rich flavors going on here, you won’t miss the beef at all!

Regardless of which meat you choose, though, it’s important to read the nutrition labeling carefully to get the leanest ground meat possible.

A lot of people don’t realize that ground turkey – just like ground beef – can vary in the amount of fat it contains. So, using a ground turkey blend that’s, say … 85% lean … is definitely NOT leaner that using a ground beef blend that’s 95% lean.

Be sure to check the labels, so you’re certain about the amount of fat in the meat you’re selecting. (You can dive deeper into ground beef vs. ground turkey nutrition HERE).

More Ingredient Tips

1) Healthier Ketchup: You might be surprised to learn that many ketchups contain high-fructose corn syrup. So, yeah … you could be getting lots of great lycopene from all those tomatoes, but also a hefty wallop of a pretty undesirable sweetener. To be sure you’re avoiding high-fructose corn syrup, choose an organic or all-natural ketchup.

2) Different Beans: The beans in this turkey chili add extra protein, plus nutrition bonuses like fiber. But, you don’t have to stick with regular kidney beans – feel free to try other beans like cannellini beans (sometimes called white kidney beans), light red kidney beans or black beans. Or, if you’re making a double or triple batch, you could grab cans of different bean varieties for a pretty mixture of bean shapes and colors.

3) Tomato Juice: I usually use Campbell’s Tomato Juice. But in a pinch, I’ve tried using extra V8 Original Vegetable Juice (that I happened to have on hand from making our Farmers’ Market Italian Sausage-Tortellini Soup), and it worked just fine, too.

How to Make Spicy Turkey Chili

One of the many fantastic things about this Crock-Pot Turkey Chili that makes it such a well-loved classic, is that it’s got such big, full-bodied flavors, without being too spicy. Its basic flavor profile seems to satisfy everybody, from spice wimps to chili-heads. But, if you and your family like it hot-hot-hot, there are a couple of easy options for ratcheting up the heat:

Add more chili powder during cooking.
Pass hot sauce at the table (which is an especially good option if only some of your family members like spicy food but others don’t).

Serving Suggestions for Our Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This deliciously nutritious Turkey Chili is so flexible and adaptable and goes great with practically anything!

Try it cozied up next to cornbread or grilled cheese (mmmmm … how about our killer-good Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches?!?).
For our big B-day/Super Bowl bash, I normally triple the recipe for our crowd, and serve it alongside Baked Hawaiian Roll Sliders.
A green salad and some crisp, sweet-tart apple wedges would be great to fill out your menu!

For toppings, I usually offer:

shredded, reduced-fat cheddar cheese
reduced-fat sour cream
maybe some thinly sliced green onions or finely diced red or sweet onions, if I happen to have any
also try sliced jalapeños for spice lovers

Alternate Stovetop Method

To make this Healthy Turkey Chili on the stovetop, you use a method that’s basically the same as what we do with our stovetop Easy Taco Soup with Ranch: Simply cook the turkey and onion in a large pot or dutch oven, and leave them on the stove, instead of transferring them to a slow cooker after they’re cooked. Just dump in all the other ingredients, and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Super easy! And a great alternative if you don’t happen to have a crock-pot, or if you forget to start the recipe in the slow cooker … and suddenly realize dinner needs to be ready in about half an hour (oh yes … I’ve been there myself a time or two!).

Try this classic chili for an easy family dinner … and for parties or tailgates. It even freezes great and is terrific for meal prep!

No matter how you make it, or how you serve it, it’s always an absolute crowd pleaser!

Classic, Healthy Crock-Pot Turkey Chili

Yield: 5 1/2 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Try our family’s go-to, classic chili recipe! This Healthy Crock-Pot Turkey Chili is soooo good, you just might want to make a big, triple batch for parties, or for meal prep freezer meals!

• Freezable • Make Ahead •

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey (we prefer to use 96-99% lean)
1 cup chopped sweet onion (from about half a large onion)
16.5 ounces tomato juice (we use three 5.5-ounce cans of Campbell's)
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (preferably organic or reduced-sodium), rinsed and drained
2/3 cup ketchup (natural or organic, see note)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup chopped celery (from about 1 stalk)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dry, ground mustard powder (from the spice aisle – not prepared mustard)
Optional for serving: toppings like shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, chopped green onions, hot sauce for passing at the table

Instructions

In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown turkey and onions, stirring to crumble (or use my favorite crumbling tool), about 5-7 minutes. Drain if needed (if using very lean turkey, there probably won't be any need to drain.)
Transfer turkey and onion mixture to slow cooker. (This small, 3-quart slow cooker is the perfect size, but a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker will also work.) Add all other ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cook on high (about 4-5 hours) or on low (about 6-8 hours).
Serve with optional toppings as desired.

Notes

Ketchup: We recommend purchasing natural or organic brands of ketchup whenever possible, in order to avoid brands that have high-fructose corn syrup and other "questionable" ingredients.

Alternate stovetop directions: Brown turkey and onions in a large pot over medium-high heat, stirring to crumble and draining if needed, as directed above. Instead of transferring the turkey and onion mixture to a slow cooker, leave the mixture in the large stovetop pot and add in all other ingredients (except optional toppings). Bring to a simmer and continue to simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes.

Freezing and make-ahead: This chili reheats beautifully, and like most chili recipes, its flavors are just as good if not even better after a day or two. It also freezes well if you want to make batches further in advance for freezer meal prep.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 5 1/2 servings Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 385Trans Fat: 0g

The post Classic, Healthy Crock-Pot Turkey Chili appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Easy Crockpot Recipes for Summer

Shelley — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 12:25:49 +0000

~ Think slow cooker recipes are just for cozy winter dinners? Think again! Crockpot recipes for summer are an absolutely perfect way to keep the kitchen cool! These easy recipes get you out of the kitchen FAST … so you’ve got lots of extra time to get out there and enjoy all that summer fun (and dinner will be ready whenever you are)! ~

Do you tote your crockpot to a shadowy basement shelf once winter ends? Shove it deep behind other jumbled pots and pans as you haul out grill baskets and metal shish kabob skewers for summer?

I hear ya. Somehow slow cookers seem so perfect for hearty soups and warm-you-up chilis – all those comforting recipes we crave in winter.

BUT.

I’m here to tell you that crockpots (or crock pots or crock-pots … however you wanna spell ’em) are an absolute summer game-changer.

Why Summer Crockpot Recipes are AWESOME!

Two big reasons here:

Reason #1 – You just toss ingredients in there in the morning, and dinner cooks merrily away while you take the kiddos to the zoo or go splash in the pool.

Yes. Yesssss. You want that, right? I knowwwww! Me, too!

Even better?

Reason #2 – Slow cookers don’t heat up your kitchen. No need to sweat over a hot stove or crank the AC because you need to fire up the oven. And slow cookers don’t require you to slave over a flaming-hot grill after a long day, either. No siree. Your trusty little crockpot will keep you (and your kitchen) as cool as a cucumber!

So, exactly what can you make in a crockpot that actually feels summer-y? We’ve got lots of ideas!

Types of Summer Slow Cooker Recipes

Think beyond all those fall and winter soups, stews, chilis and roasts.

Crockpots are also terrific for things like:

All sorts of chicken sandwiches
Shredded tacos
Juicy pulled pork sammies

And here’s a fun option for picnics and potlucks: Your slow cooker is a handy way to cook summer-y party dips.

Yep! Lots of ooey-gooey, cheesy baked dips can be made in your crockpot instead of the oven, and then your trusty little slow cooker will keep the dip piping hot for you throughout the picnic! (Just remember that most recommendations suggest you shouldn’t leave food in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting for more than a couple hours.)

I guess this means you have to go trooping down to your basement to search for your crockpot, doesn’t it?

Sorry.

But don’t worry! It’ll all seem worth it, once you see how easy-peasy summer can be after you dust off that slow cooker.

Although, your grill may start feeling pretty lonely …

Our Favorite Crockpot Recipes for Summer

Make one of our tried-and-true EASY summer crockpot recipes! They're family favorites that we know you'll love, too! And, they're guaranteed to keep your kitchen cool ... and get you out of the kitchen FAST!

Crock-Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

A lip-smacking (protein-packed!) homemade dressing gives these simple sandwiches BIG flavor!

Mediterranean Crock-Pot Chicken Taco Bar

A truly unique take on "tacos"! All the Mediterranean flavors you love, layered any way you like ... piled high on a base of tender, seasoned chicken. Great for a fun family dinner, or as a memorable taco bar for summer parties!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Need a super-easy appetizer for a summer party or potluck? This is ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser! Plus, we've got lots of tips, shortcuts and make-ahead ideas. And, our version is lower in fat and calories, too (but nobody will suspect a thing)!

Slow Cooker Island Pulled Pork

Pulled pork goes tropical! Loaded with flavorful island spices, these sandwiches have a terrific summer vibe!

Another way to channel your personal island happy place? Try the summer-y Hawaiian Pulled Pork from Mom Fit Lyndsey.

(Either way, be sure to follow each recipe's tips on trimming fat and keeping your pulled pork on the healthier side.)

3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

One of the most popular recipes we've ever published! These ridiculously easy chicken tacos leverage slow cooker magic for a delicious spin on taco night. Just 5 minutes of prep time ... and your family can top 'em any way they like!

Crock-Pot North Carolina BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Inspired by our family's summer beach vacations along North Carolina's Outer Banks, these sandwiches have won rave reviews from readers! Crazy-easy, with just a few simple ingredients ... and so, sooooo good!

Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

Hey, Chipotle fans – here's a fun DIY idea for ya! Chicken Burrito Bowls – yum! Pssssst ... this recipe is so scrumptious, it had us skipping the rice and the fork, and just digging straight in with tortilla chips (so yeah – you can even use it as a Mexican party dip)!

Another idea: if you love layering up those Mexican flavors, try the Mexican Crockpot Summer Salad from the terrific blog Super Healthy Kids. Perfect for a hot day!

Healthy Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Love buffalo chicken wings, but not all the extra fat and calories? We've gotcha covered with this super-easy, super-yummy sandwich! Bold buffalo chicken flavor but so much healthier, too!

Healthier Reuben Dip

A healthier version of the ever-popular Reuben party dip (but no one can ever taste the difference)! Take it along to summer parties and potlucks – really easy!

Oh hey – and here’s a fun twist. Even though you might not think “chili” in mid-summer, Cassie over at the blog Wholefully came up with a Slow Cooker Summer Chicken Chili that she specifically designed to feel lighter, and to leverage some of that terrific garden-fresh summer produce. Huh! How cool is that?

And speaking of summer produce, if you need a side dish for a summertime dinner or potluck, check out the recipe for Slow Cooker Summer Vegetables over at Fit Slow Cooker Queen. Change up your veggies depending on what you’ve got on hand. Super easy!

Sooooooo … looks like you and your crockpot are gonna have a lot of fun together this summer, huh?!?

And don’t you worry … when fall rolls around, you can just hop right on back here for plenty of slow cooker soup and chili and stew recipes, too!

The post Easy Crockpot Recipes for Summer appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Mediterranean Crock-Pot Chicken Taco Bar

Shelley and Gretchen — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 12:33:21 +0000

~ Next time you’re thinking “taco night,” think beyond the typical Mexican-style taco bar and try this incredibly delicious Mediterranean Chicken Taco recipe! It’s a fun make-it-your-own dinner that’s easy to prep ahead for busy nights. And, it’s a classed-up version of the traditional taco bar that’s perfect for parties and game day, too! ~

This Recipe Is: • Make Ahead •

*We partnered with Flatout for this sponsored post, and we’ve been compensated for our time in working with their products, however all opinions are entirely our own.

When it comes to making dinnertime fun, there’s just nothing like a taco bar, jam-crammed with loads of yummy topping choices.

Picky kiddos (and, let’s face it … even the adults, too!) appreciate the ability to make their own creations, piled high with the flavors and textures they like.

It’s one of the recurring themes in all of our articles about parenting picky eaters … if you help kids feel empowered and like they’re a part of the entire meal process, then they’ll be much more likely to eat healthfully and try new foods. It really works!

The super-easy, 2-ingredient hummus dressing really brings all the wonderful Mediterranean flavors together!

We actually saw this very principle in action when Gretchen first served her kids these Mediterranean Chicken Tacos.

Her littlest looked suspiciously at the roasted red pepper strips. “Those aren’t peppers,” (glaring accusingly at the red slivers). “Yes they are,” Gretchen patiently explained. “They’re just roasted!”

Her daughter proceeded to try one … along with all the other toppings she’d chosen … and guess what! (You know what’s coming here …) That suspicious-looking, roasted pepper strip turned out to be a-ok! Huh! And just like that, her daughter added one more type of vegetable to her “edible” list. Brilliant!

While all of that was going on, Gretchen’s older daughter was eyeballing the feta, certain she’d never tried it before … which is ludicrous since she’s had our Baked Hummus Dip with Easy Tabouli Topping, and Super-Fast Mediterranean Herbed Shrimp Pasta, and Citrus Quinoa and Chickpea Salad – to name a few! That kid has eaten more feta than she realized! And … you guessed it! She felt empowered enough to try it (again) … and she loved it (again! )!

This is why we really love Flatout’s goal to give kiddos lots of healthy options, through their #FlatoutIsMyCanvas campaign. Flatouts are deliciously nutritious little blank canvases, just waiting for kids to fill in the spaces with healthy foods they love.

These easy-to-make, yummy-to-eat Mediterranean Chicken Tacos are a perfect recipe to showcase how a blank canvas can become a delicious work of art … and how each artist’s masterpiece can be personalized and unique!

So, let’s build some tacos!

To start the taco bar fun, we like offering a variety of flatbread options.

Flatout Foldits, cut in halves, are the perfect starting point for mini tacos. These tiny, personalized tacos are terrific because everyone can build different combinations throughout dinner. They’re also great if you’re serving this taco bar at a party – the little Foldits are ideal for your guests to make perfectly sized party snacks (hello, game day food!).

For those who’d rather create one big, burrito-style soft taco, the larger Flatout wraps are just right. Although there are lots of great whole-grain, high-protein Flatouts to choose from, we found that the Red Pepper Hummus wraps and the Light Italian Herb wraps had flavor profiles that perfectly complemented the other Mediterranean ingredients in these chicken tacos.

After the taco “shells” … next stop … the chicken. (Spoiler alert: it’s made in the slow cooker, so it’s a total breeze to throw together ahead of time! Perfect for busy nights!)

The chicken in these tacos is mildly seasoned with Mediterranean flavors and Greek-inspired spices – a perfect building block for the bursting-with-flavor toppings that are just waiting to be piled on top.

And now (drum roll, please …) the toppings!

This is where the fun really starts and where the big flavors begin. We’ve got a whole list of suggested toppings for you – and when we make this taco bar in our own homes, we usually do offer all the options (and Gretchen and I both love to pile them allllll on!). But just like with Mexican-style taco bars, you can definitely feel free to improvise and offer whatever you think your family will like best.

Bonus for busy nights: the toppings can all be chopped and prepped even a day or two ahead! (And hey – if you’ve got a lot of busy nights – you’ll no doubt also love some of our other super-easy crockpot chicken recipes that’ll make your life easier! )

With so many great, healthy topping choices, any toppings your kiddos choose are a win. And every single one adds up to more big flavor! Salty kalamatas and feta? Check! Vibrantly fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach and parsley? Yup – got those, too! Wanna jazz it up and go a little highbrow with artichokes and roasted peppers? Sure thing – just pile ’em on!

There’s no wrong answer here, friends – build your tacos any way you like!

Just don’t skip the yummy hummus dressing! It’s crazy-easy to whip up, but absolutely pulls all the flavors together.

And don’t forget to offer a couple of things that you aren’t positive your kids will go for … because who knows … while they’re having fun creating their own masterpieces, they just might surprise you by trying something new!

Have Fun with These Other Great Taco Recipes, Too!

3-Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken Tacos from Two Healthy Kitchens
Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas from Gina at Skinnytaste
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps from Michelle at The Complete Savorist
Shredded Chicken Tacos with Balsamic Strawberry Salsa from Taylor at Food Faith Fitness
Plus, a super-inspiring collection of truly UNIQUE taco recipe ideas!

~ by Shelley and Gretchen

Mediterranean Crock Pot Chicken Taco Bar

Yield: About 3 3/4 cups of chicken, plus toppings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Make taco night special with this Mediterranean Crock Pot Chicken Taco Bar recipe! Easy to prep ahead for busy nights! Perfect for parties or game day, too!

• Make Ahead •

Ingredients

Chicken Taco Meat:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (white or golden balsamic are fine, too)
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Hummus Dressing:

3/4 cup plain hummus
3 tablespoons water

Taco Bar Options:

Flatout flatbreads (see note on sizes and flavors)
Optional toppings: chopped baby spinach, diced tomatoes, seeded and diced cucumbers, chopped roasted red peppers, chopped (canned or jarred) artichokes, chopped kalamata olives, minced fresh parsley, crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Instructions

Place chicken in slow cooker and add vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, oregano, and black pepper on top.
Cook in a 3-4 quart slow cooker, on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. If using a larger 5-6 quart slow cooker, cook on low for about 6 hours. (See note.)
Just before serving, shred chicken (with two forks) and stir back into remaining liquid in bottom of slow cooker, to incorporate.
Meanwhile, combine hummus and 3 tablespoons water to make dressing, stirring or whisking until smooth. (You can adjust the exact amount of water slightly, depending on the thickness of your brand of hummus and how thick you'd like your dressing.)
Serve chicken in flatbreads, allowing everyone to select toppings and drizzle with hummus dressing, as desired.

Notes

Flatbread options: If you'd like to serve this recipe as mini, personal tacos for a fun dinner or as appetizer-sized party tacos, we recommend using Flatout Foldits. Cut each Foldit in half to form perfectly sized mini soft taco shells. Alternately, if you'd like to serve larger, heartier-sized soft tacos, try using Flatout wraps – we found that the ProteinUP Roasted Red Pepper and Light Italian Herb varieties had flavors that paired nicely with the Mediterranean ingredients in this recipe.

Make-ahead tips: Because you're using your slow cooker, you begin the chicken hours ahead of serving it. In addition, though, you can also cook it even a day or two ahead, then refrigerate it after cooking and reheat it for serving. You can also prepare and chop all of the toppings up to a day or two ahead. Store each topping, wrapped separately, in the refrigerator.

Cook time and slow cooker variations: Through all of our testing, we've found that slow cooker chicken recipes like this one typically work best in a 3-4 quart slow cooker. If you’re using a larger 5-6 quart model, we recommend cooking on low for only about 6 hours. We do not recommend cooking this recipe on high in a 5-6 quart slow cooker because the chicken may overcook and become dry. At the end of cook time, the chicken should be cooked through and should shred easily and be really moist. Also, note that the exact heat and speed of cooking can vary between different slow cookers. Our research has also led us to believe that some models allow for imperceptible evaporation of liquid (although you’d expect that no liquid would be lost when using a slow cooker), which can leave your recipes less saucy and moist. Because this particular recipe uses very little liquid, it’s particularly sensitive to these variations. No need to worry – it’s delicious even when cooked until it’s a bit drier.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 15 servings Serving Size: 1/4 cup chicken with dressing
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 99Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 222mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 15g

Nutrition information does not include flatbreads and toppings, as those can vary significantly depending on what you choose to use. Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only, and may additionally vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation. No guarantees are made regarding allergies or dietary needs. Always consult a physician or dietician for specific advice and questions.

The post Mediterranean Crock-Pot Chicken Taco Bar appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Crock-Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

Gretchen — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:59:18 +0000

~ Looking for a quick and easy dinner that’ll have the whole family asking for seconds? These Crock-Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are a snap to make, and the homemade Caesar dressing is packed with protein! Healthy and delicious! ~

Now that the kids are out of school, summer is already in full swing. This pretty much means that we’re on the run from sun-up to sun-down. And I love it! It’s a break from school and our regular schedule … with loads of really fun things to do!!

But all the activities can leave us a little hungry, ya know? Sure, we make Snack Bites like it’s our job. Those totally keep us going during the day.

But mealtime is when we seriously refuel. Healthy, nutritious, filling. Yeah … that’s what we need! Dinner!

“Well, gosh, Gretchen! I’m so busy during the day with trips to the zoo, baseball games, hanging at the pool, day camps, family bike trips … how can I possibly provide a wholesome dinner?” you say in your head (but I can somehow hear you).

You guys!! Remember?? The slow cooker!!

Seriously! Take a look at our little tutorial video for this recipe and see how ridiculously easy these Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are to make … in the slow cooker!

Video Tutorial

Are you feelin’ it now?!? The slow cooker is the answer!

Remember our 3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos (which you guys loooooved so much they’ve become one of our most popular recipes EVER)?!?! And what about our Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches and those North Carolina BBQ Chicken Sandwiches everyone keeps raving about? Oh, right … the slow cooker! … and all those possibilities for healthy, easy recipes that’ll totally make your busy life soooooo much easier! After you make these amazing sammies tonight, be sure to check out all Our Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes Ever for even more inspiration!

But anyway … back to these fabulous Chicken Caesar Sandwiches …

No, no. I know what time of year it is. And no, I’m not crazy. (Well … I guess that depends on who you ask!)

I know a lot of you hear crock pot and you immediately think of wintertime soups and chilis and stews.

But I’m not gonna stop with the crock pot recipes until every.last.one.of.you realizes how amazing those little electric gems are! Especially in the summer!

Sure, crock pots and stews go together like a stamp on a letter. Totally awesome for those chilly winter nights!

But … crock pots and effortless summer dinners go together like … ummm … pool days and flip-flops! Or sunshine and smiles! Errr … you know what I mean. Go with me.

Before I dash out the door, I can toss some chicken and spices in – and poof! Dinner is ready when we get home! It’s … simply magical!

Oh! And, the kitchen doesn’t get all heated up from the oven being on. Hot kitchen on a hot summer day … ewwww.

And clean up is a breeze. Absolutely simple. I love that. ‘Cause we certainly don’t slow down after dinner!

Ahh … yes … summer crock pot cooking is bliss!! Are you on board now??? It’s the most perfect solution for busy summer days!!

And as if life in the summer wasn’t super fun and exciting enough, I decided it was time to really amp things up around here … and my crock pots (yes, I own multiples) will play a key role in feeding us this summer.

Are you on the edge of your seat? What could it be?? What is this super fun-ness I’m adding??

Well, I’m stoked about my upcoming … total kitchen remodel!! Gahhhh!!!! I can hardly contain myself!!

Our kitchen now, just doesn’t really work for me. Sure there are things about it I like, but there are also things that drive me cuckoo. So we are (ahem, I mean, my trusty contractor will be) totally gutting the kitchen, down to the studs and starting from scratch!

Super exciting! And a teeeeeeensy bit stressful!

Even though I’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen since we moved here five years ago, I’ve been a little, shall we say, overwhelmed with all of the decisions that needed to be made.

Did you know there are approximately 4,823,098,492 shades of white/off white/cream? Good grief! And just as many choices for flooring! It’s definitely been a big project planning everything, but we’re incredibly excited for the outcome!

But … for the five weeks or so that my kitchen will be in various phases of unbuilding and rebuilding, I really won’t be able to use the stove. So we’ll grill a lot … and I’ll be using my slow cookers a TON!!

If one thing is certain, I know my family will request these Chicken Caesar Sandwiches several times over the course of the summer. These are a fave!

My littlest even requested that I serve them at her birthday party a few years ago! That’s huge coming from a kiddo! So I made these tasty sandwiches, as well as sloppy joes. It was a fantastic family party, and everyone loved the food!

Years ago, I’d seen a really simple recipe on Pinterest for Chicken Caesar Sandwiches. There weren’t even any spices! It called for bottled Caesar dressing, but I had trouble finding one that I loved the taste of, and that I felt good serving to my family. I thought my Chicken Caesar Sandwich days were over. Then one day, I was visiting Hidden Fruits and Veggies … and Kelly shared a recipe for homemade Caesar dressing! I coulda reached through my screen and hugged her!

So I knew it could be done! I could make my own dressing for these sandwiches! One that would make Caesar himself proud! I was inspired!

The dressing for these sandwiches is creamy with just a little zing from the Dijon mustard. Best part – this dressing is made with ingredients you’ve already got on hand! So that means no anchovies (even if you’ve got those, we won’t need ’em!). Also, many Caesar dressings contain raw egg – but not mine! Nope! We keep things simple, easy, and not questionable here at THK.

So even if your kitchen won’t be in a constant state of disarray this summer, I still highly recommend becoming besties with your slow cooker over the next few months. It’s the easiest, fastest, most amazing way to get a home-cooked meal on the table! And … psssst … you just might want to start with these chicken sandwiches!

Crock-Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

Yield: About 4 cups of chicken – enough for about 6 sandwiches

Prep Time: 18 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 18 minutes

These easy Crock-Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches feature a much healthier (and super delicious) homemade Caesar dressing!

Ingredients

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Dressing:

2 (5.3-ounce) containers nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or about a scant 1 1/4 cups)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/16 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

1/3 cup chopped fresh flat leaf (Italian) parsley
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Whole wheat buns or whole wheat pita pockets
Romaine lettuce
Additional shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

Instructions

Place chicken in slow cooker and add water.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper on chicken.
Cook for 4-5 hours on high, or 5-6 hours on low, until chicken is thoroughly cooked but still moist and fall-apart tender. (See note.)
Meanwhile, stir together Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/16 teaspoon pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. (You can make the dressing ahead of time and cover and refrigerate it until needed.)
Near the end of cooking (and preferably about 30 minutes before serving), check chicken to be sure it's fully cooked and then shred cooked chicken (using two forks). Stir reserved Caesar dressing into chicken in crock pot, and then continue cooking for about 30 minutes more, to allow flavors to meld. (See note.)
Immediately before serving, stir in fresh parsley and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Serve on whole wheat buns or in whole wheat pita pockets with Romaine lettuce, and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Slow cooker variations: The exact heat and speed of cooking can vary between different slow cookers. Some slow cookers, especially newer models, may cook hotter and faster than others. Our research has also led us to believe that some models allow for imperceptible evaporation of liquid (although you’d expect that no liquid would be lost when using a slow cooker), which can leave your recipes less saucy and moist. Because this particular recipe uses very little liquid, it’s particularly sensitive to these variations. No need to worry – it’s delicious even when cooked until it’s a bit drier, particularly since the creamy Caesar dressing adds moisture. The key is simply to control the cook time and temperature to yield the most juicy, fall-apart-tender result.

Adding Caesar dressing: For best results, leave the Caesar dressing and chicken in the crock pot for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together. You can eat the sandwiches immediately after stirring in the Caesar dressing, but the flavors may be stronger and more pronounced.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 servings Serving Size: 2/3 cup chicken
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 277Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4g

Nutrition information is provided for chicken mixture only, as nutrition can vary for the bread/buns depending on what you choose to use. Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only, and may additionally vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation. No guarantees are made regarding allergies or dietary needs. Always consult a physician or dietician for specific advice and questions.

Caesar dressing inspired by Hidden Fruits and Veggies

The post Crock-Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Crock Pot Southwestern Corn Chowder with Chicken and Green Chiles

Shelley — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 13:07:08 +0000

~ This Southwestern Corn Chowder takes a comfort food classic and gives it a fun little kick! Satisfyingly delicious without being too spicy! Loaded with sunshiny sweet corn flavor, plus southwestern flair from salsa, black beans and green chiles. So easy – just mix everything together right in your crock pot! ~

This Recipe Is: • Freezable • Make Ahead • Gluten Free •

As food writers, Gretchen and I are often asked where we get our ideas.

And really, that’s one of the (many!) great things about food … inspiration is everywhere!

Every restaurant menu, every heirloom family recipe card. Every glossy food magazine cover at the grocery check-out, every trip to the farmers’ market, every single bite of every single meal. No really … everywhere! Pretty fabulous, actually … all that mouthwatering inspiration!

The best part of all is when some little spark of that inspiration starts churning, way back in the daaaaaark food-obsessed recesses of my brain.

I start mentally kicking around ingredients (Gotta be healthy … can I work in more veggies?), and techniques (Can I make this easier? Do it faster? Maybe even ahead of time?).

And then … all those swirling ideas take shape, and … there it is! … the next recipe I’m dying to eat!

Usually, this requires a phone call to Gretchen, during which (in blissful excitement), I outline blow-by-blow every detail of how this new recipe is going to happen. She listens patiently while I blather on. (She’s pretty great that way.) She gets it, ’cause she’s got those inspiring ideas, too. It’s so fun to work with someone who just gets you, ya know?

This recipe for Southwestern Corn Chowder came about pretty much exactly as described.

Picture a cold-cold January day. The kind of day that finds my kids gleefully sledding down our back hill, or begging for a trip to the ski slopes. My kids’ love for those kinda days knows no bounds. (And you’ll notice I said “kids.” As a mom, I gotta tell ya … my love for those kinda days knows just a whole bunch of bounds.)

So anyway, on that cold-cold day, I started daydreaming. And by now you know most all of my daydreams involve food. (I already landed my handsome hunk, so food’s really all I need to dream about anyway. ) My dreams hit upon our Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder. Ahhhhhhhh … we all have a special, warm-fuzzy place in our hearts for that gem of a recipe. And, you guys apparently do, too – it’s one of our all-time top recipes!

But then, my food-obsessed brain kicked into high creative gear, and my corn chowder daydream took a little turn. What if … what if …

What if … there was a southwest kick to that corn chowder? (Yee-haw … I liked where this was going!) Maybe some tex-mex spices and green chile (not too spicy, but with big flavor!), and savory salsa, and really nutritious black beans, too! (Ohhh! I love this kind of daydream.) But, of course, this new corn chowder would still have all the creamy-dreamy sunshiny-sweet golden corn flavor of our original.

Yes!

Yes, that was what I was dying to eat next!!! Ring … ring … (that’s me, calling my dear Gretchen.)

I’ve made this Southwestern Corn Chowder several times since, but I knew early on that I’d gotten it right – when my son’s little face lit up (we’re having that AGAIN – yay!), and my husband, who didn’t even know I was watching, made little, happy “mmm … mmmmmmmmm” sounds as he slurped. Then I started getting the gushingly yum-filled texts from family and neighbors I’d shared some corn chowder with (this recipe makes a larrrrrrge batch!).

This corn chowder is the prefect winter comfort food – like a spunky, sunny southwestern hug on a gray, chilly day! But it’s truly the ideal dinner year-round – even in the summer when you don’t want to heat up your house with your oven and stove.

Just toss the ingredients for this corn chowder in your crock pot … load up the kiddies for a day at the zoo … and nosh on this with some sandwiches at dinner! Easy-breezy! (And BTW – we’ve got lots more make-your-life-easier crockpot chicken recipes for ya, if you adore them as much as Gretchen and I do!)

Ah, I love it when inspiration turns into something just as good as I’d imagined!

Now stop imagining this fantastic Southwestern Corn Chowder … and go make some for yourself! It’s so quick and easy … your yummy daydreams will be coming true in a snap!

Crock Pot Southwestern Corn Chowder with Chicken and Green Chiles

Yield: 15 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

This Southwestern Corn Chowder is a comfort food classic, with a delicious, fun little kick! So easy – just mix everything together right in your crock pot!

• Freezable • Make Ahead • Gluten Free •

Ingredients

3 cups nonfat milk
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen corn kernels
3 cups frozen O'Brien potatoes (cubed hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers)
2 cups frozen diced onions (see note)
2 (14 3/4-ounce) cans cream-style corn
1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite salsa (see note)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans (preferably organic or reduced-sodium), rinsed and drained
1 (4-ounce or 4.25-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
optional for serving: chopped cilantro and shredded, reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Instructions

Directly in your slow cooker insert, whisk together milk and cornstarch.
Add corn, potatoes, onions, cream-style corn, salsa, black beans, green chiles, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, black pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Add chicken breasts to mixture, pushing them to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Cook on low (6-8 hours), or on high (5 hours).
Just before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken. Or, remove the chicken from the slow cooker onto a plate or cutting board and cut it into small cubes, and then return the chicken to chowder in the slow cooker.
Serve chowder sprinkled with cilantro and cheese, if desired.

Notes

Frozen onions: For this recipe (as in our Crock Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken and Bacon, and our Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Stew with Potatoes, Carrots and Tomatoes), we prefer to use frozen diced onions (as well as the frozen corn and potatoes) for two reasons. First, this saves the step of chopping the onions yourself and allows you to easily keep more of the ingredients for this corn chowder on hand for last-minute meals. Much more importantly, however, the frozen onions cook down better and become softer in the crock pot, especially if you're cooking this chowder at the faster end of the recommended cooking times. You can substitute fresh onion, chopped to equal 2 cups, if you would prefer your onions to be a bit more firm and crunchy in the final chowder.

Salsa: The salsa is a great way to easily vary the spiciness and flavor profile of this chowder. Choose mild, medium, or spicy salsa, depending on your family's preferences.

Make-ahead and freezing tips: This corn chowder makes a really big batch, and it reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave, for lunches or additional dinners later in the week. It also freezes well, in an airtight freezer-safe container.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 15 servings Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 235Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 629mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 6gSugar: 9gProtein: 18g

Nutrition information does not include optional toppings. Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only, and may additionally vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation. No guarantees are made regarding allergies or dietary needs. Always consult a physician or dietician for specific advice and questions.

The post Crock Pot Southwestern Corn Chowder with Chicken and Green Chiles appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.

Crock-Pot / Slow Cooker Archives - Two Healthy Kitchens

55 Easy Christmas Crockpot Recipes

Why Your Slow Cooker Is Pure Holiday Magic

All Kinds of Christmas Slow Cooker Recipes

The Main Event!

Easy Crockpot Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Appetizers and Drinks

Slow Cooker Christmas Desserts

Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Ideas

Dinner Recipes for Busy Holiday-Season Weeknights

Need Some NON-Crock-Pot Christmas Recipes?

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

How We {Secretly} Slashed Calories and Fat

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Crockpot

Step #1

Step #2

Step #3

Step #4

Cheat: Faster Prep!

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip

What to Do with Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip

FAQs At-a-Glance

Your New, Party Appetizer Superstar

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information:

Did You Make This Recipe?

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Video Tutorial

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Alllll the Burrito Goodies You Love!

What Is a Burrito Bowl? (And Why Is It Kinda Better Than an Old-School Burrito?)

How to Make Your Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Step #1

Step #2

Step #3

Step #4

What to Put in a Burrito Bowl

Are Burrito Bowls Healthy?

Can You Put Frozen Chicken in a Crock-Pot?

How (and When) to Serve These Bowls

Serving This As an Appetizer

An Appetizer Dip

Mmmmmmm … A Nacho Platter

This Recipe Was Even Featured in a Cookbook

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information:

Did You Make This Recipe?

3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

Video Tutorial

It’s Just Always That Good!

The Very Best Part of All

Tested and Re-tested … And It Just Never Fails

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Tacos (Easiest Ever Instructions!)

How to Serve Your Tacos

Looking for More Crockpot Chicken Recipes That’ll Make Your Life EASY?

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information:

Did You Make This Recipe?

Crock Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken and Bacon

Why We Looooove Crock Pot Corn Chowder

Make-Ahead Tip!

It’s Even Freezable!

Surprising Ingredients in This Corn Chowder with Chicken

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Bacon

Chicken (Hint: Don’t Use Frozen!)

Frozen Onions

Serving Ideas

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information:

Did You Make This Recipe?

Classic, Healthy Crock-Pot Turkey Chili