Healthy dinners don’t have to feel like a whole project, and the crockpot is honestly my favorite way to prove that!
You toss in a few simple ingredients, go live your life, and come back to something warm that actually fits your goals.
And I love having a mix of recipes that work on busy weekdays, lazy weekends, and those nights when I just can’t deal with another pan to scrub.
These ideas keep things easy without loading you up with heavy ingredients, so you still get something good on the table.
Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipes
Chicken is such an easy base for weeknight dinners, and the crockpot keeps it tender without any extra work.
These crockpot chicken recipes use simple ingredients that don’t weigh you down but still taste like a full meal.
1. Buffalo Chicken Pasta
If you want something with a little kick that still feels easy on a busy night, buffalo chicken pasta is great.
Add chicken breasts, a splash of hot sauce, a bit of ranch seasoning, and some broth to the crockpot and cook until the chicken shreds.
Stir in cream cheese at the end so it melts right in.
Cook your pasta separately, then mix everything together so it stays nice and coated.
Add a little green onion or shredded cheese on top if you want to change it up.
2. White Chicken Chili
I make white chicken chili when I want something easy that still warms everyone up.
Chicken, white beans, green chiles, onion, garlic, and broth all go into the crockpot at the start.
Everything softens over a few hours, then cream cheese goes in for thickness.
The chicken gets shredded and stirred back through.
Add some lime and cilantro to finish it off.
3. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Start by stirring crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning in the crockpot.
Add the chicken on top of the mixture.
Let it cook until the chicken softens enough to shred.
Stir in cream cheese or a splash of cream near the end.
Fold the shredded chicken back into the sauce and serve with pasta or rice.
4. Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Some nights you just want something bright without putting in extra effort.
Pour broth into the crockpot and whisk in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Place chicken thighs inside and spread the rice around them.
Cook on low until everything softens.
Give the pot a quick stir halfway through for even cooking.
Add a squeeze of lemon before serving.
5. Broccoli Chicken and Rice
Add rice, chicken, broth, and seasoning to the crockpot.
Cook on low until the chicken becomes tender enough to shred.
Stir the shredded chicken back into the rice.
Add broccoli during the last 30 minutes so it stays firm.
Stir in some cheddar if you want it creamy.
6. Honey Garlic Chicken
Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and vinegar directly in the crockpot.
Place chicken thighs into the mixture and cover.
Slow cook until the meat softens.
Shred the chicken with a fork and stir it through the sauce.
Serve with rice or noodles.
7. Pineapple Chicken
Here’s a sweet option that doesn’t take any extra prep!
Place chicken pieces in the crockpot and scatter pineapple chunks around them.
Add a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic over the top.
Cook on low until the chicken breaks apart easily.
Add sliced bell peppers near the end for color.
Stir before serving.
8. Greek Chicken
I usually make this when I need something that works for leftovers too.
Combine lemon juice, oregano, garlic, onion, and broth in the crockpot.
Set the chicken into the mixture and cook until it softens.
Shred or slice the chicken once it’s done.
Serve with rice, pitas, or cucumbers.
9. Chicken Noodle Soup
Start with broth, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
Add chicken on top and cook until everything softens.
Remove the chicken and shred it.
Add egg noodles during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Return the shredded chicken and adjust the seasoning.
Healthy Ham Crockpot Recipes
Ham actually works really well in the crockpot because it warms through slowly and picks up whatever flavor you toss in.
These crockpot ham recipes are great when you want something hearty that still stays on the healthier side.
10. Honey Ham
Some nights you want something simple that still feels special.
Place the ham in the crockpot and brush the outside with honey, Dijon, and a little vinegar.
Add a splash of water or broth to the bottom.
Cook on low until the ham loosens up and warms through.
Brush on a little more honey mixture before serving.
11. Pulled Ham
Start by mixing broth, mustard, garlic, and brown sugar in the crockpot.
Set the ham in the mixture and spoon some over the top.
Slow cook until the meat starts to separate easily.
Shred it right in the pot.
Stir everything so the pieces soak up the sauce.
12. Maple Glazed Ham
Whisk maple syrup with garlic and a small amount of soy sauce in a bowl.
Place the ham in the crockpot and pour the mixture over it.
Cook on low until the edges turn soft.
Spoon the warm glaze over the slices halfway through.
Add a bit more maple if you want extra sweetness.
13. Ham and Potato Casserole
I cook this one up when I want something filling that doesn’t need oven space.
Layer sliced potatoes and diced ham in the crockpot.
Mix broth with garlic and seasoning, then pour it evenly over the layers.
Cook until the potatoes soften.
Stir in shredded cheese near the end if you want a creamy finish.
14. Ham and Cabbage
Cut the cabbage into wedges and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
Add ham chunks, onion, and garlic on top.
Pour in a small amount of broth to help everything steam.
Cook on low until the cabbage softens.
Season with salt and pepper before serving.
15. Ham and Corn Chowder
Start with potatoes, corn, onion, garlic, and diced ham in the crockpot.
Stir in broth and a splash of milk or cream.
Cook until the potatoes break down a bit.
Mash a few pieces against the side of the pot to thicken the chowder.
Finish with a handful of chopped green onion.
16. Ham and Potato Soup
Potatoes, ham, onion, garlic, and broth go straight into the crockpot for this one!
Let everything cook on low until the potatoes soften.
Scoop out a cup of the mixture and blend it, then stir it back in to thicken the soup.
Add a splash of cream if you want it richer.
Adjust the seasoning before serving.
17. Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Here’s a sweet option if you like fruit with your mains.
Place the ham in the crockpot and add pineapple chunks around it.
Mix in some brown sugar with pineapple juice and spoon it over the top.
Cook until the ham softens enough to slice easily.
Spoon some of the warm juice over each piece.
Healthy Beef Crockpot Recipes
Beef gets super tender in a slow cooker, which makes it perfect for those cozy, healthy dinners that don’t need babysitting.
These recipes bring in lots of veggies and lighter sauces so everything stays balanced.
18. Korean Beef
Place some beef in the crockpot and cover it with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Stir everything so the sauce coats the meat.
Slow cook until the beef loosens enough to shred.
Add sliced green onion before serving.
19. Beef Bourguignon
Start by tossing carrots, onion, mushrooms, baby potatoes, and garlic into the crockpot.
Add the beef on top and sprinkle in thyme and a bit of salt.
Pour in red wine and broth.
Cook on low until the meat softens.
Stir gently to blend the vegetables with the sauce.
20. Garlic Butter Beef
Melt butter in the microwave and mix it with garlic, parsley, and a little salt.
Pour the mixture over the beef in the crockpot.
Cook until the meat pulls apart easily.
Shred it directly in the pot.
Stir to let the butter soak into each piece.
So yum!
21. Beef and Broccoli
Here’s a simple dinner that works with frozen broccoli too.
Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar in the crockpot.
Add the beef and coat it well in the mixture.
Slow cook until the meat softens. Stir in broccoli during the last 30 minutes so it stays firm.
Mix everything once more before serving.
22. Italian Beef
I make this when I want leftovers that actually taste better the next day.
Place beef in the crockpot and cover it with broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and pepperoncini brine.
Add a few pepperoncini for extra flavor.
Cook on low until the meat pulls apart.
Shred it and stir it back in to soak up the juices.
23. Roast Beef
Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then set it in the crockpot.
Add onion and carrots around the edges.
Pour in a small amount of broth.
Cook until the roast softens.
Slice or shred, depending on how you want to serve it.
24. Balsamic Pot Roast
Whisk balsamic vinegar with broth, garlic, and a bit of brown sugar.
Place the beef in the crockpot and spoon some of the mixture on top.
Add carrots and onion around it.
Slow cook until the meat loosens.
Stir the vegetables into the sauce at the end.
25. Shredded Beef
Start by sprinkling chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin over the beef.
Pour in some broth and a little tomato sauce.
Slow cook until the meat pulls apart with almost no effort.
Shred everything with two forks.
Mix the meat with the cooking liquid for extra flavor.
26. Beef Stew
Carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic go into the crockpot first.
Place beef pieces on top and sprinkle with seasoning.
Pour in broth and a spoonful of tomato paste.
Cook until the vegetables soften.
Stir the stew to thicken it before serving.
Healthy Meat-Free Crockpot Recipes
Vegetarian crockpot meals are great because they’re hands off and still filling.
They’re perfect for nights when you want something lighter or when you’re feeding a mixed group.
27. Pepper Orzo Soup
Some nights you just want something light but still filling.
Start by adding bell peppers, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot.
Pour in broth and sprinkle in oregano and basil.
Cook until the peppers soften.
Stir in some orzo during the last 20–30 minutes so it stays firm.
Adjust the seasoning once everything blends together.
28. Quinoa Curry
Pour coconut milk into the crockpot and whisk in curry paste, garlic, and a little ginger.
Add quinoa, chickpeas, and your choice of vegetables.
Cook on low until the quinoa opens up.
Stir everything so the curry coats each spoonful!
Finish with cilantro or lime.
29. Lentil Taco Chili
This is my go to when I want something hearty without using meat.
Combine lentils, tomatoes, onion, garlic, corn, and beans in the crockpot.
Sprinkle some taco seasoning over the top and pour in broth.
Slow cook until the lentils soften.
Give it a stir to thicken the texture.
You can always add avocado or a little cheese if you like.
30. Tuscan White Bean Soup
Start with white beans, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning in the crockpot.
Pour in broth until everything is covered.
Cook on low until the beans soften.
Stir in a splash of cream for richness.
Give it a little taste and adjust the salt at the end.
31. Chickpea and Potato Pot Pie
This one works well when you want something cozy without turning on the oven!
Place potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, peas, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
Add vegetable broth and a little thyme.
Slow cook until the potatoes soften.
Stir in a small amount of cream or milk.
op with biscuits or puff pastry baked separately.
32. Mexican Rice Bowl
Start by combining rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
Pour in broth and sprinkle in cumin and chili powder.
Cook until the rice softens.
Stir everything so the seasoning spreads evenly.
Throw in some lime and cilantro before serving.
Let the Crockpot Take Over for a Bit
Some days you just need a healthy dinner to happen without another thought, and that’s where these easy crockpot meals really help.
With simple ingredients and hardly any hands-on time, you can set things up in the morning and come back to something warm and ready.
Enjoy trying a few of these and seeing which ones make your week a little easier!
