Delicious and Nutritious Crockpot Chicken Recipes for Diabetics
Chicken is a diabetes superfood. It's high in protein, low in carbs and fat, and incredibly versatile. By preparing chicken in a crockpot, you can create flavorful, nutritious meals with minimal effort. The long, slow cooking tenderizes the meat and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Benefits of Chicken for Diabetics
Here's what makes chicken an exceptional choice for diabetics:
- High in protein to help keep blood sugar stable
- Naturally low in carbs and fat
- Contains important nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, and zinc
- Lower calorie than red meat
Pair chicken with non-starchy veggies and whole grains for a well-balanced diabetic-friendly meal.
Tips for Crockpot Chicken
Cooking chicken in the crockpot takes a few special considerations:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Don't overcook - aim for 160-165F internal temp
- Add veggies toward the end to avoid overcooking
- Utilize sauces, spices and herbs for flavor
Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes for Diabetics
Simple Shredded Chicken
This easy shredded chicken recipe requires minimal ingredients but is very versatile. Use it for salads, tacos, sandwiches and more!
Cook time: 4 hours on Low Servings: 6 Ingredients:- 3 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon each salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning
- Combine all ingredients in slow cooker
- Cook for 4 hours on Low until chicken shreds easily with a fork
- Remove chicken from bones and shred, discarding bones and excess liquid
BBQ Pulled Chicken
BBQ sauce gives traditional pulled chicken a sweet and tangy twist. Make sandwiches or eat over cauliflower rice.
Cook time: 6 hours on Low Servings: 8 Ingredients:- 212 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 12 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 14 teaspoon black pepper
- Add chicken, broth, BBQ sauce and spices to slow cooker
- Cook 6 hours until chicken is very tender
- Remove chicken from bones and shred with two forks
- Mix shredded chicken with cooking liquid to coat
Chicken Fajitas
All the classic fajita flavors cooked perfectly in the crockpot. Enjoy in tortillas, over cauliflower rice or on salad.
Cook time: 3-4 hours on Low Servings: 4 Ingredients:- 112 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, thickly sliced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 112 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 12 teaspoon salt
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook for 3-4 hours on Low until veggies are tender.
- Shred chicken with two forks right in the cooker.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This diabetic Chicken Tortilla Soup is loaded with veggies in a seasoned tomato broth. Top with avocado, cheese and cilantro.
Cook time: 6 hours on Low Servings: 6 Ingredients:- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted or regular diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn with juices
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 12 teaspoon oregano
- 14 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 lime, juiced
- Cilantro, avocado, cheese for garnish
- Combine all ingredients in slow cooker except garnishes.
- Cook 6 hours on Low.
- Serve topped with desired garnishes.
More Delicious and Nutritious Crockpot Chicken Recipes
Once you get the basics down, there are endless healthy crockpot chicken creations you can whip up. A few more great options include:
Zesty Lemon Chicken
Chicken breasts or thighs cooked until tender in a zingy lemon garlic sauce. Bright, fresh flavors.
Buffalo Chicken
Shredded chicken thighs cooked with hot sauce makes a healthier, diabetes-friendly take on wings.
Chicken Tikka Masala
The complex flavors of Indian Tikka Masala pair perfectly with chicken. Make it as hot or mild as you prefer.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken thighs or drumsticks braised with onions, garlic, bell peppers and mushrooms in a rich tomato sauce.
The possibilities are endless once to get cooking. Crockpot chicken offers convenience with big nutritional benefits. Experiment with globally inspired herbs, spices and vegetable combos to discover new diabetic-friendly favorites.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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