Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Dive into the world of "Healthy Crock Pot Meals," where wholesome ingredients come together to create a satisfying and nutritious feast! Imagine walking through your door after a long day to the enticing aroma of tender chicken or turkey, perfectly infused with zesty tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn. This recipe is a game-changer for busy families and health-conscious individuals alike, making it the perfect addition to your meal prep arsenal. Keep reading to discover how to whip up this mouthwatering dish that serves six and will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean chicken or turkey
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and rinse the black beans under cold water to remove any excess sodium.
- In the bottom of your crock pot, place the 2 pounds of lean chicken or turkey. If using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole; if using turkey, consider cutting it into chunks for quicker cooking.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) over the chicken or turkey. This will help keep the meat moist while it cooks.
- Next, pour in the drained and rinsed black beans. This adds protein and fiber to your meal.
- Stir in the 1 cup of corn. You can use frozen, canned, or fresh corn depending on your preference.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion over the mixture in the crock pot.
- Season the dish with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference for spice.
- Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crock pot to ensure they are well combined.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. Make sure to check occasionally to ensure everything is cooking evenly.
- Once the cooking time is complete, check the internal temperature of the chicken or turkey to ensure it has reached at least 165°F (75°C). If needed, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- After cooking, shred the chicken or turkey in the crock pot using two forks for a pulled texture, mixing it back into the other ingredients.
- Serve the healthy crock pot meal warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs well with whole grain rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy mornings, chop your onion and rinse the black beans the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for a quick assembly in the morning.
- Choose Your Protein: Whether you prefer lean chicken or turkey, make sure to use high-quality meat for the best flavor and texture. If you’re using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole for a juicy result.
- Layering is Key: When adding ingredients to the crock pot, layer them thoughtfully. Start with the meat at the bottom, followed by tomatoes, beans, corn, and onions on top. This helps the flavors meld beautifully as they cook.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of chili powder based on your spice tolerance. For a milder dish, start with half a tablespoon and gradually add more to taste.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on your crock pot model. Always check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it's reached at least 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
- Add Freshness: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish your dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. It adds a delightful freshness that complements the hearty ingredients.
- Serve with Sides: This meal pairs perfectly with whole grain rice or quinoa, adding even more nutrition and fiber to your plate. Consider a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
