Your Slow Cooker is Secretly a Calorie-Burning Superhero: 5 Chicken Recipes That Prove It
Let’s have a real talk for a second. “Low calorie” food has a reputation. A bad one. It often brings to mind bland steamed broccoli, sad pieces of lettuce, and the general feeling that you’re being punished for wanting to feel good in your jeans.
What if I told you that’s a total lie?
Your slow cooker is here to shatter that myth into a million delicious pieces. We’re about to make low calorie slow cooker chicken recipes that are bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and so easy you’ll feel like you’re getting away with something. Who says healthy eating has to be hard or boring? Definitely not us.
So, let’s get ready to come home to a meal that loves you back. Here are five foolproof recipes that are light on calories but seriously heavy on taste.
1. Sunshiney Lemon Herb Chicken
This chicken is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl. It’s bright, fresh, and feels like a spa day for your taste buds—without any of the steep prices.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 2 large lemons (about ½ cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish (makes it pretty, IMO!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. Shred or slice the chicken and spoon that delicious, light broth over the top.
Why You’ll Love It
The sauce is incredibly flavorful without a drop of cream or butter. It’s fantastic served over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted asparagus. I once made this when I felt a cold coming on, and the lemon-garlic broth felt more medicinal than any syrup from the pharmacy.
2. Fiesta Salsa Chicken
This is the ultimate “dump and go” recipe that proves healthy eating doesn’t require a culinary degree. It’s vibrant, a little spicy, and ready to be the star of your next taco night.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (16 oz) jar of chunky salsa (choose your heat level!)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (check for no added sugar)
- 1 cup frozen corn, no need to thaw
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.
- Pour the entire jar of salsa over the top, then add the corn and black beans.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. Shred the chicken directly in the pot and stir everything together.
Why You’ll Love It
The fiber from the beans and corn makes this dish incredibly filling for very few calories. Serve it in lettuce cups for a super low-carb option, or with a small portion of brown rice. It’s a complete, balanced meal that does all the work for you.
3. Cozy Chicken & Vegetable Soup
This isn’t just any soup. It’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and makes you feel genuinely nourished.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in your slow cooker.
- Add the thyme and bay leaf, then pour the chicken broth over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the greens are wilted. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf!
Why You’ll Love It
You can eat a giant, satisfying bowl of this for a surprisingly low calorie count. It’s packed with lean protein and vegetables, making it the perfect lunch or light dinner. Pro tip: a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the end takes it to a whole new level.
4. Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chicken
Craving something that tastes like takeout? This dish gives you that perfect sweet-and-spicky kick without the heavy, greasy sauce. It’s a tropical vacation for your palate.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (they stay juicier!)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Add the pineapple chunks and chopped bell pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken and pineapple.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. For a thicker sauce, remove the lid and let it cook on HIGH for the last 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The natural sweetness of the pineapple means you don’t need to add any sugar or honey. The chicken thighs become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve this over a small portion of brown rice or quinoa to soak up the incredible sauce. FYI, this is a major crowd-pleaser, even for non-“diet” food people.
5. Creamy (But Not Guilty) Garlic Chicken
Yes, you read that right. We’re making a creamy, dreamy sauce without a drop of heavy cream. The secret? A magical, protein-packed ingredient you probably already have in your fridge.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh dill or chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, garlic, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Pour it over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Remove the chicken and shred it. Important! Whisk a ladleful of the hot cooking liquid into the Greek yogurt to temper it, then whisk this mixture back into the slow cooker. Add the chicken back in and stir.
Why You’ll Love It
The Greek yogurt creates a tangy, rich, and incredibly satisfying sauce that feels like a major indulgence. It’s phenomenal over zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower. I learned the hard way: never stir the yogurt in directly without tempering it first, or you’ll get a curdled mess. This method keeps it silky smooth!
🔥Recommended Slow Cooker Essentials
Here are a few of my favorite slow cooker essentials that make crockpot cooking easier, faster, and way more fun.
- Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Perfect for big families or meal prepping — set it, forget it, and come home to tender, juicy meals every time.
Check it out on Amazon - Hamilton Beach 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Reliable, easy-to-use, and keeps food warm automatically — ideal for busy weeknights.
See today’s price on Amazon - Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO (8-in-1 Multi-Cooker)
Slow cook, sauté, roast, and more — one appliance that does it all for your crockpot dinners.
View it on Amazon - Silicone Slow Cooker Divider Insert
Cook two different meals at once — perfect for picky eaters or meal prep variety.
Grab it on Amazon - Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes Cookbook
Packed with easy, flavorful slow cooker chicken ideas your family will love.
Get the cookbook on Amazon
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So there you have it. Five incredible low calorie slow cooker chicken recipes that are here to prove that healthy food can be the most delicious food in your rotation. Your slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing simple ingredients with big flavor while you’re out living your life.
Now, go forth and make a dinner that’s both kind to your body and a total party for your mouth. You’ve got this
