Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of a hearty, slow-cooked chicken stew that's not just delicious, but also surprisingly healthy! This Crockpot Chicken Stew over Zoodles is the ultimate game-changer for anyone craving a comforting meal that doesn't compromise on nutrition. With tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, a rich and flavorful broth, and low-carb zucchini noodles, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming chicken breasts of any excess fat and cutting into 1-inch cubes. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Chop onions into medium-sized pieces, slice carrots into thin rounds, and mince garlic cloves. Set prepared vegetables aside.
- Place chicken cubes into the crockpot first, creating an even base layer.
- Add chopped onions, sliced carrots, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth slowly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are mostly covered by liquid.
- Cover crockpot and set to low heat setting. Cook for 6 hours, allowing chicken to become tender and vegetables to soften.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, use spiralizer to create zucchini noodles (zoodles) from fresh zucchinis.
- Once stew is complete, use two forks to gently shred chicken pieces within the crockpot.
- Serve hot stew over fresh zucchini noodles, allowing the warm broth to slightly warm the zoodles.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for fresh, boneless chicken breasts and trim excess fat for the most tender results.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your Italian seasoning and salt and pepper. These will infuse your stew with maximum flavor.
- Layering Matters: Always place meat at the bottom of the crockpot and vegetables on top to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
- Zoodle Timing is Crucial: Add zucchini noodles at the very end to prevent them from becoming mushy. The residual heat will warm them perfectly.
- Meal Prep Hack: This stew freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and store portions for quick future meals.
- Customize Your Stew: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers to make the recipe your own.
- For Extra Richness: If you want a slightly thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last hour of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
