Healthy recipe chicken breast for dinner

This slow cooker chicken recipe combines the bold flavors of cumin, fresh cilantro, bacon, baby portabellas, parsley, salsa, garlic, bell pepper, onion, lime, white cooking wine, butter, celery, and spices. The long cooking process infuses the chicken with rich flavors, creating a tender and creamy texture. It’s a perfect dish for those following a keto diet or anyone looking for a convenient and delicious meal option.

Ingredients

To prepare this slow cooker chicken dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 4 strips of bacon
• 1 1/2 cups sliced baby portabellas
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 8 cloves fresh chopped garlic
• 1/2 of a bell pepper
• 1/2 an onion
• 1/2 of a lime
• 1/2 cup white cooking wine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups chopped celery
• 4 large chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Render Fat from Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the sliced baby portabellas, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, and chopped garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and lightly browned. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped celery in the slow cooker as a base. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the celery.
4. Add Flavor and Moisture: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sautéed vegetables over the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the white cooking wine and salsa over the chicken and vegetables. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the mixture. Add the butter on top.
5. Cook on Low Heat: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for approximately eight hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the flavorful juices and vegetables.
6. Serve and Enjoy: The shredded chicken can be used in various recipes like tacos or lettuce wraps. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped parsley, and your favorite toppings like cheese and sour cream. Serve the dish hot and savor the tender, flavorful, and creamy slow cooker chicken.

Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe – healthy chicken dinner recipes – crock pot chicken

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, and the texture of the shredded chicken may differ.
2. Q: Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?
   • While a slow cooker is the recommended method for this recipe, you can also prepare it in an oven. Use a covered baking dish and cook at a low temperature (around 275°F) for approximately 4-5 hours.
3. Q: Can I freeze the leftover shredded chicken?
   • Absolutely! Once cooled, you can store the shredded chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for later use. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Q: Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
   • Yes, you can adjust the spiciness according to your preference. Increase or decrease the amount of salsa and spices like cumin and garlic to suit your taste.
5. Q: Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
   • Certainly! Feel free to experiment and add your favorite vegetables to the recipe. Some popular additions include diced tomatoes, corn, or jalapeños.
6. Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
   • Absolutely! This slow cooker chicken dish is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare a large batch and portion it into meal-sized containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

Conclusion

Making this slow cooker chicken dish with Mexican-inspired flavors is a delightful culinary experience. The combination of spices, bacon, vegetables, and slow cooking results in tender, flavorful, and creamy shredded chicken. Whether you choose to serve it in tacos, lettuce wraps, or with your favorite toppings, this recipe offers convenience, deliciousness, and the option to follow a keto-friendly diet. So give it a try and enjoy a satisfying meal packed with bold flavors!