Healthy Living

With these chicken recipes, 30 minutes or less of prep earlier in the day can earn you delicious depth of flavor at dinnertime. Whether you want a warm, veggie-packed soup or a spicy and zesty rice or noodle dish, these slow-cooker meals are here to make the most out of your poultry without any unnecessary extra effort. Recipes like our Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole and Slow-Cooker Vegetable & Chicken Meatball Soup are easy to make and will have you looking forward to dinner.

01 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole

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This slow-cooker meal is comfort food at its best: the layers of tortillas, cheese and sauce meld together into a cozy casserole inspired by the flavors in enchiladas. The top tortilla layer gets beautifully crispy in the slow cooker. We use pinto beans, but you could easily swap in black beans.

02 of 15

Slow-Cooker Vegetable & Chicken Meatball Soup

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Don't skip cooking the onions for the meatballs. This step softens the onions so they more easily add their sweet flavor to the meatball mixture. Best part? This slow-cooker meatball soup only requires 25 minutes of hands-on time.

03 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Brown Rice with Roasted Corn & Black Beans

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With plenty of spice from ground cumin, cayenne and paprika and the bit of char that frozen roasted sweet corn brings to the dish, you won't miss the browning step in this easy load-and-go recipe. If frozen roasted corn isn't available, substitute regular.

04 of 15

Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Bowls

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Bone-in chicken thighs are pan-seared before being basted with sticky-sweet sauce and slow-cooked to fork-tender perfection. Sear the chicken thighs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and hindering browning. Though we swoon over the superiorly moist meat, the real magic lies within the sauce, which masters the balance of savory and sweet. For a burst of freshness, we add a simple cabbage slaw that rounds out the meal with a satisfying crunch. To get an extra dose of veggies, pair it with sugar snap or snow peas.

05 of 15

Salsa Verde Slow-Cooker Chicken

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Chicken breasts are transformed when they get slow cooked in salsa verde. Shredding the chicken and returning it to the sauce ensures the end result is juicy and delicious. Serve the shredded meat over brown rice or use as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.

06 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken with Rosemary & Mushrooms over Linguine

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The classic pairing of shallots and mushrooms gives this easy slow-cooker chicken recipe a timeless quality that's sure to please everyone at your table. Swirling the stock and flour together at the beginning is a pro tip for creating a thick sauce that moistens the final dish and helps all the ingredients come together.

07 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken Soup with Zucchini & Hominy

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This excellent chicken soup--packed with hearty, nutritious ingredients--is easy to make and may become your new standby. It makes enough to freeze a portion for easy lunches or when you need to deliver food to someone in a pinch.

08 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle Soup

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This slow-cooker chicken noodle soup fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet thanks to plenty of vegetables, lean chicken breast and whole-wheat pasta. Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner.

09 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta

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This rustic stew cooks all day in the slow cooker so you can come home to a comforting, hot dinner. Not a fan of polenta? Try this healthy chicken dinner over pasta instead.

10 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken, Spinach & White Bean Stew

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Warm up to a comforting bowl of chicken stew scented with thyme, oregano and smoked paprika. Adding spinach and white beans provides a hearty dose of fiber that will keep you satisfied until the next meal.

11 of 15

Slow-Cooker Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Broccolini

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What if you could have tender, slow-cooker chicken thighs and crisp Broccolini to feed four with 10 minutes of hands-on time and eight common ingredients? Now, you can, and here's the recipe to prove it. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and additional kosher salt and black pepper, if desired.

12 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew

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This load-and-go slow-cooker chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve this Tuscan-inspired dish with crusty bread, a glass of Chianti and a salad.

13 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken Marsala

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This slow-cooker chicken Marsala recipe gets its full flavor from plenty of mushrooms and fragrant shallots. Whole-wheat pasta soaks up the rich sauce. Round it out with a simple green salad for a comforting healthy dinner.

14 of 15

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

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If you like Buffalo wings, you'll love the flavors in this warm, hearty chili that comes together easily in the slow cooker. Sour cream helps cut the heat, but you could also use plain strained yogurt.

15 of 15

Slow-Cooker Peanut-Achiote Chicken & Vegetables

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This satisfying dish has a depth of flavor that belies its short ingredient list. Sazón seasoning typically includes coriander, cumin and oregano—look for one that also has achiote (annatto). The ground seeds of the evergreen Bixa orellana shrub, achiote gives the dish a bright orange hue. These blends, along with jarred sofrito, can be found with other Latin ingredients at most grocery stores.

If you’re looking to start your morning with tasty breakfast recipes when you’re in the mood for something sweet, you’re in the right place! Each of these delicious morning meals is made with no added sugar. Being mindful of your added sugar intake can help decrease your risk of chronic diseases like inflammation, diabetes and heart disease. You’ll want to try recipes like our Blueberry-Coconut-Walnut Baked Oatmeal or our Anti-Inflammatory Strawberry Chia Pudding to start your day feeling nourished and satisfied.

01 of 24

Orange-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie

Sweet, juicy oranges and frozen peaches are blended with creamy strained (Greek-style) yogurt and sweetened naturally by Medjool dates, creating a perfectly balanced flavor. Chia seeds add a boost of protein, fiber and omega-3s, while a touch of vanilla rounds out the taste.

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02 of 24

Blueberry-Coconut-Walnut Baked Oatmeal

This blueberry-coconut-walnut baked oatmeal gets natural sweetness from banana and dates with bursts of juicy blueberries and a nutty crunch from walnuts. This hearty dish is perfect for meal prep or sharing at brunch, offering a nutritious start to your day.

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03 of 24

Anti-Inflammatory Strawberry Chia Pudding

This strawberry chia pudding is a convenient grab-and-go breakfast with plenty of benefits. Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, while chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein—all nutrients that can help lower inflammation.

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04 of 24

Green Smoothie

This vibrant smoothie is a refreshing way to start your day. The spinach blends in seamlessly without overpowering the sweet tropical flavors. Banana adds a creamy texture, while mango and pineapple bring natural sweetness and a bright, sunny taste.

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05 of 24

Slow-Cooker Oatmeal

Here’s an easy way to serve a crowd a hearty breakfast. You can assemble it in the slow cooker in the evening and wake up to a bowl of hot, nourishing oatmeal. The slow cooker eliminates the need for constant stirring and ensures an exceptionally creamy consistency.

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06 of 24

Peanut Butter-Banana Flaxseed Smoothie

This smoothie is a creamy, satisfying drink. The banana adds natural sweetness and helps create a smooth, rich texture. Peanut butter brings delicious nutty flavor along with plant-based protein to keep you full longer. Ground flaxseed boosts the smoothie with fiber and omega-3s. Blended with almond milk, it’s a quick and delicious way to fuel your day.

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07 of 24

Strawberry-Mango Chia Seed Smoothie

This chia seed smoothie is a nutrient-packed drink rich in fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. You can use frozen strawberries and mango, but you’ll need to add extra almond milk to help it blend smoothly.

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08 of 24

Apple-Pomegranate Overnight Oats

Apple-pomegranate overnight oats are a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that combines the natural sweetness of apples and pomegranates with fiber-rich oats. The tartness of pomegranates complements the sweet, crisp flavor of apples. For the best flavor and sweetness, consider using sweet apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji or Gala.

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09 of 24

Orange-Mango Smoothie

For Dylan Dreyer, 'Today’s 3rd Hour' co-host and NBC News meteorologist, this smoothie is a staple in her household during cold and flu season. The vitamin C from the oranges helps support immune health, so she and her kids can feel their best. Plus, it tastes just like a creamsicle. If you don’t have almond milk, any other dairy or nondairy milk will work.

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10 of 24

Banana-Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait

This banana–peanut butter yogurt parfait is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack that relies on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to create a creamy, flavorful base. The combination of banana and peanut butter is a classic pairing that also provides healthy fats and a boost of protein. This easy parfait is a great way to start your day or enjoy a midday pick-me-up!

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11 of 24

Tropical Gut-Healthy Smoothie

This dairy-free gut-healthy smoothie features kiwi, a prebiotic, and coconut-milk yogurt, a probiotic, that combine to help support a healthy gut. Golden kiwis add a lovely golden hue to the smoothie, but green kiwis work just as well.

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12 of 24

Cherry-Pineapple Smoothie

Cherries contain vitamin E, vitamin C and polyphenols, nutrients that may help reduce inflammation in the body. The tart pomegranate-cherry juice pairs well with crushed pineapple and creamy yogurt.

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13 of 24

Pumpkin-Date Overnight Oats

The combination of prebiotic ingredients like oats, flaxmeal and dates makes these pumpkin overnight oats a delicious and nutritious option for supporting gut health. Dates add natural sweetness, while yogurt adds tang as well as a healthy dose of probiotics to start your day off right.

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14 of 24

Batida de Lechosa (Papaya Smoothie)

This smoothie highlights one of the most popular fruits in the Caribbean—papaya. A ripe papaya will be slightly soft to the touch, and the skin has started to turn from green to yellow. Dominican vanilla extract will result in a more authentic version of the recipe, but any vanilla extract will do. Enjoy this creamy, sweet smoothie for dessert or as a breakfast or snack.

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15 of 24

Ricotta Toast with Peaches & Prosciutto

This ricotta toast with peaches and prosciutto offers the perfect balance of creamy, sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy it for breakfast or brunch and garnish with a fresh herb like basil or mint for even more flavor.

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16 of 24

Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Smoothie

This mango green smoothie gets bright tart flavor from frozen passion fruit, and inflammation-fighting benefits from fresh kale. Dates add natural sweetness without added sugar. While cilantro may not be a typical smoothie ingredient, we love the herbal notes it adds to this smoothie. Feel free to leave it out if that's not your thing—it's just as delicious without.

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17 of 24

Shredded Wheat with Raisins & Walnuts

This shredded wheat with raisins and walnuts is an easy breakfast to reach for when you want something quick with plenty of fiber and healthy fats. For a no-added-sugar breakfast, be sure to use unsweetened shredded wheat cereal. Read the label and opt for brands that contain 0 grams of added sugar.

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18 of 24

Anti-Inflammatory Strawberry–Passion Fruit Green Smoothie

This anti-inflammatory smoothie draws its bright tropical flavor from frozen passion fruit pieces available in the frozen fruit section of well-stocked supermarkets or natural-foods stores.

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19 of 24

Mascarpone & Berries Toast

Creamy mascarpone is delightful when topped with mixed berries and mint for this bright-tasting, easy and healthy breakfast toast.

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20 of 24

Anti-Inflammatory Lemon-Blueberry Smoothie

The kale, hemp seeds and green tea in this bright, lemony smoothie all contain antioxidants that can help fight inflammation. If you can’t find baby kale, baby spinach will work well in its place. Banana adds natural sweetness. If y

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21 of 24

Cottage Cheese-Berry Bowl

This no-sugar-added berry bowl highlights the natural sweetness of thawed mixed berries with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a simple snack you can prepare in advance, but add the cereal just before serving so it stays crunchy.

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22 of 24

Anti-Inflammatory Beet Smoothie

This vibrant beet smoothie combines sweet and earthy beets with berries, banana and orange juice for a well-balanced flavor. Look for packaged cooked beets where the prepared fruits and vegetables are sold. Beets are high in belatins, an antioxidant that may help decrease inflammation in the body. Other nutrient-packed ingredients add even more anti-inflammatory power, like the anthocyanins in blueberries and the gingerol found in ginger.

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23 of 24

Cottage Cheese Toast

Say hello to our delicious and nutritious cottage cheese toast! This toast, made with whole-grain bread and topped with creamy cottage cheese, is just the beginning. We’ve added six variations, both sweet and savory, perfect for kick-starting your morning or powering through the afternoon.

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24 of 24

Anti-Inflammatory Raspberry & Spinach Smoothie

Start your day off right with this tasty smoothie featuring anti-inflammatory ingredients. Spinach provides antioxidants that help eliminate damaging free radicals, while raspberries contain polyphenols that have their own anti-inflammatory effects.

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