You Won’t Believe These 15 Healthy Slow Cooker Meals Taste Better Than The Unhealthy Versions

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Most people have seen those slow cooker recipes that call for a can of this and a packet of that. But by the time you get done adding all those pre-made products with all their chemicals and preservatives, you end up with a dish that might taste good but is definitely not good for you. So if you want the best of both worlds, give these fifteen healthy slow cooker meals a try. They actually taste better than the unhealthy versions.

1. Tortilla Chicken Stew

Side view of a crock full of Slow Cooker Tortilla Chicken Stew.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

You won’t believe the fantastic flavors in this tortilla chicken stew. It’s so easy to make and it’s a hearty, and delicious meal that the whole family will love. You can even prep it in advance and store it, uncooked, in the fridge. Then cook it the next morning. When the family comes home, a fantastic dinner will be waiting for you.

2. White Chicken Chili

An overhead view of a bowl of white chicken chili that is garnished with avocado slices, a lime slice, jalapeno slices and fresh cilantro.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

If you like white chicken chili you need to try this healthier version. This simple, delicious recipe is mild enough that even kids can enjoy it, and if you like heat you can always add more jalapenos to taste. This recipe is sure to be a winter dinnertime favorite this year.

3. Butter Chicken

A bowl of Butter Chicken on a cutting board.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Butter chicken is the recipe you need for when you are craving takeout but trying to keep your diet healthy. This homemade version has a rich, and creamy texture that’s perfect for serving with flatbread, over rice, or with a side of lentils. Try this amazing slow cooker recipe and see just how good it really is.

4. Southwest Chicken

A white crock filled with Slow Cooker Southwestern Chicken, sits on a wood surface next to a white towel.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Southwest chicken in the slow cooker is a complete meal that you’ll be excited to come home to. It’s got a good dose of protein thanks to both chicken, and black beans. The delicious veggies include corn and tomatoes. You can serve this tasty dinner as is, in a warm tortilla, with corn chips for dipping, or over rice.

5. Lentil Sloppy Joes

Two lentil sloppy joes sit on a parchment-lined baking pan.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Lentil sloppy Joes are the perfect Meatless Monday dinner, and it’s cooked and ready for you when you get home. Lentils are full of protein and fiber making this a satisfying and hearty vegetarian meal. Serve on buns with a salad on the side for the perfect, easy Monday night dinner to start your week off right.

6. Mexican Chicken And Beans

A white fluted bowl holds Mexican Chicken and Beans.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Mexican chicken and beans is the answer if you need a fresh, new chicken recipe that cooks in a slow cooker. Once it’s cooked you can serve this over rice, with a side of tortilla chips for dipping, or as the filling for a burrito. If you’ve got leftovers have them for lunch or freeze them for later.

7. Honey Sesame Chicken

An overhead view of a white bowl filled with rice and topped with honey sesame chicken.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This honey sesame chicken tastes so amazing you’ll have a hard time believing that it’s healthy. But it is. It’s really easy to put together in a slow cooker, too. Easy, and flavorful? That’s a dinner winner for sure, especially for a busy weeknight.

8. Italian Chicken

An overhead view of a ladle lifting out some crockpot Italian chicken from a slow cooker crock.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

If you are a fan of freezer meals this Italian chicken recipe is for you. Five minutes of prep has it ready for the freezer, and then all you have to do is pour it into the slow cooker and go about your day. You will come home to a delicious meal and a house that smells like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day.

9. Chicken And Dumplings

A closeup of a light green crock filled with chicken and dumplings.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Chicken and dumplings is a comfort food classic you may not have even known you could make in the slow cooker. This healthy version is still comforting and filling with plenty of fantastic flavors that you’ll love. This is the perfect dinner to come home to when you need to warm up, body and soul.

10. Split Pea Soup

A white bowl filled with Split Pea Soup on a wood surface.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Split pea soup is an economical and easy dinner. It’s full of great flavor, and plant-based protein, and it’s super simple to make. You can make this with ham if you wish, and the results will be fantastic either way.

11. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A pulled pork sandwich on a white plate on a white background.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

These healthy pulled pork sandwiches are a filling meal that the whole family will look forward to coming home to. These savory and delicious pulled pork sandwiches are the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight. They make an amazing lunch for school and work the next day, too.

12. Pork Loin

A blue plate holds three slices of pork loin with drizzles of gravy, some green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Many people don’t know that pork loin can be cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, but once you’ve tried it you’ll make it again and again. Just ten minutes of prep in the morning or the night before and your pork loin will be ready to cook all day while you are at work. Serve it with your favorite sides and dinner is delicious and done.

13. Curry Chicken

An overhead view of curry chicken shredded and served with rice and dried apricots.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Curry chicken is the perfect warming dish to make for a cold evening and you can even prep it ahead of time so all you have to do is pull it out of the freezer and pop it into the slow cooker. Serve this delicious, easy, and flavorful dinner over rice with some veggies or a salad and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. This healthy version will have you wondering why you ever bothered with takeout.

14. Pork Ragout

A white bowl filled with pork ragout. Serving spoons lay in the bowl.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Pork ragout is a slow-cooked French stew, made with meat or fish, and heavily seasoned for a delicious savory meal the whole family will rave about. This slow cooker version is made with pork chops and veggies for a hearty and satisfying dinner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or polenta, and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

15. Chicken Cacciatore

And overhead view looking down onto a plate of Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over white rice.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Chicken cacciatore is an Italian dinner favorite. This healthy, and delicious version is cooked in your slow cooker for an easy meal that will cook itself. When dinner time comes, whip up some pasta or rice, and serve with a salad or a side of garlic bread.

More From The Gracious Pantry

A dutch oven with a cooked whole chicken topped with rosemary twigs.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Need more dinner ideas? These can help. Chicken and turkey are very versatile foods that can be used to create an unlimited number of dinners. Here are 118 ideas to get you started.

Author: Allison Manning

Title: Writer

Expertise: Writing

Bio:

Allison Manning is the creative mind behind Simply Stunning Content. With twenty years of writing experience under her belt, she is a master of creating captivating content that connects with audiences of all types. When she’s not working on new content, you can find her cooking, reading, or listening to a very eclectic library of music. When she’s not working,

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