Heart-Healthy Made Easy: A Crockpot Dinner Recipe You'll Love!
Who says heart-healthy meals need to be complicated? With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of unhealthy convenience foods. But what if I told you that you could whip up a wholesome, delicious, and heart-friendly dinner with minimal effort?
Enter your trusty crockpot—a game-changer for anyone looking to eat better without spending hours in the kitchen. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables that’s as easy as it is nutritious.
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (15 oz) can low-sodium diced tomatoes, undrained
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced (optional for added flavor)
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Optional for serving:
1 cup cooked brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain pasta
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Prep your crockpot:
Lightly coat the bottom of the crockpot with olive oil or cooking spray.
Layer the ingredients:
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), zucchini, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and olives (if using).
Season everything:
Sprinkle the oregano, basil, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
Drizzle olive oil over the top, and pour in the chicken broth.
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Serve:
Serve the Mediterranean chicken and vegetables over a bed of brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
Why This Recipe is Good for Your Heart
Chicken breast is a lean protein that supports muscle and heart health.
Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which promote cardiovascular wellness.
Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and herbs like oregano and basil pack in flavor without added sodium.
Healthy Living, One Crockpot Meal at a Time
Eating heart-healthy doesn’t have to be time-consuming or boring. With recipes like this, you can enjoy flavorful, satisfying meals while taking care of your health.
Ready for more easy and delicious recipes? Follow our blog to discover how to make healthy living simple and enjoyable. And if you try this recipe, share your crockpot creation with us—we’d love to see your heart-healthy masterpiece!
Let’s make health delicious, one slow cooker recipe at a time!
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