7 Simple Healthy Crockpot Chicken Recipes (Gluten-Free)

Using a slow cooker to make healthy chicken recipes is not only convenient but also has plenty of benefits. Here are five reasons to give it a try:

1. Locks in Nutrients and Flavor: The low, steady heat of a slow cooker preserves nutrients in your ingredients and helps meld flavors over time. This means your chicken dishes are both healthier and more flavorful.
2. Simplifies Meal Prep: With a slow cooker, you can throw in your ingredients, set it, and forget it. It’s perfect for making healthy recipes on busy days when you don’t have time to stand over the stove.
3. Makes Healthy Cooking Easier: Since slow cooking uses minimal oil and keeps the chicken tender and moist, it’s a great option for lighter, low-fat meals without sacrificing taste. You can also reduce starchy carbs and just use low-carb veggies like cabbage or cauliflower rice if you need to eat low carb too.
4. Works with Budget-Friendly Ingredients: You can use less expensive cuts of chicken, like thighs or drumsticks, which become incredibly tender after slow cooking.
5. Great for Meal Prep: Slow cookers are ideal for making big batches of food that you can portion out for the week. It’s a simple way to stay on track with healthy eating (see all of my meal prep tips).

Whether you’re making a chicken soup, stew, or shredded chicken, the slow cooker makes it easy to create nutritious and satisfying meals.

These tips will help you create tasty, wholesome chicken recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for any meal plan.

1. Choose Quality Ingredients
   Use fresh, whole ingredients and high-quality chicken, like organic or free-range, to ensure your meals are both nutritious and flavorful. I also like to use chicken that is air-chilled versus water-chilled, but that’s personal preference.
2. Check All Labels
   Verify that store-bought items like broths, sauces, and spice blends are clearly labeled as gluten-free and dairy-free to avoid hidden allergens. See my list of favorite gluten-free sauces.
3. Layer Ingredients Properly
   Place hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom, chicken in the middle, and delicate veggies on top for even cooking.
4. Thicken Naturally
   Use gluten-free thickeners like arrowroot powder, corn starch, or blended vegetables for creamy sauces without gluten or dairy. I usually like to add thickeners during the last 30 minutes or hour of cooking (as opposed to adding at the beginning of the cooking process).
5. Season Generously
   Add fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor naturally. I love to add finely chopped flat-leaf parsley to crockpot chicken recipes just before serving.
6. Prevent Overcooking
   Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F and avoid cooking for too long, especially on high heat.
7. Incorporate Healthy Fats
   Add richness with dairy-free options like coconut milk, olive oil, or avocado oil to create flavorful, satisfying dishes. If you aren’t dairy-free, you can top your slow cooker chicken recipes with foods like Greek yogurt or cheese to add creaminess.
8. Include Gluten-Free Starches
   Add GF-friendly carbs like quinoa, rice, or sweet potatoes to create balanced meals. For grains, add them midway to prevent overcooking.
9. Brighten with Fresh Additions
   Stir in fresh herbs, lemon juice, or a drizzle of olive oil at the end of cooking to enhance flavors and freshness. You can also top your slow cooker meal with foods like soy sauce (use coconut aminos for gluten-free diets) or whatever sauce you like.
10. Batch Cook for Convenience
    Make extra and freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick, healthy meals on busy days. Crockpot meals freeze well and reheat easily.