Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Chickpeas
This simple yet flavorful creamy coconut and tomato chicken with chickpeas is one of my favorite low maintenance dinner recipes. It’s just so easy- there is very few ingredients, little prep, and everything (rice excluded) is thrown into a crockpot for a well-balanced meal {Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free}.
This dish combines coconut milk and tomato sauce, resulting in a rich, slightly sweet and tangy sauce. Then, that creamy sauce is served over rice which soaks up all the flavor!
Each serving has 28 grams of protein and almost 7 grams of fiber. Serve over your preferred grain (or cauliflower rice) for a filling and satisfying dinner! Great for meal prep, too!
Full recipe and nutrition info:
https://moderatelymessyrd.com/coconut-tomato-chicken-with-chickpeas/
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup tomato sauce (I used Rao's marinara sauce)
1 13.5-once can of coconut milk
1-1.25 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I used chicken thighs)
2 cups raw carrots, diced or about 5 large carrots
1 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
5-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 large white or yellow onion, diced julienne
Juice of 1/2 a lemon, or more per preference
Dash of salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder
2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (sub with cauliflower rice for low carb option); about 1 cup uncooked
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Slow cooker meals like this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Chickpeas recipe offer a convenient and nutritious option for busy lifestyles. Using coconut milk and tomato sauce creates a creamy, tangy base that not only enhances flavor but also contributes healthy fats and antioxidants from the coconut and lycopene from the tomato. Chickpeas provide excellent plant-based fiber and additional protein, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. This dish is versatile; substituting chicken breasts or thighs allows for preference in texture and fat content, while serving over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice caters to various dietary needs including gluten-free and low-carb options. Adding fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and provides a dose of vitamin C. For optimal slow cooker results, layering ingredients such as diced carrots, onions, and garlic ensures a depth of flavor as they slowly meld during cooking. Seasoning with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder enhances the taste without overpowering the natural essence of the ingredients. Meal prepping with this recipe is ideal due to its balanced macronutrients—around 28 grams of protein per serving—and the inclusion of high-fiber chickpeas, making it satiating and supportive of muscle maintenance and digestive health. For those concerned with dietary restrictions, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, promoting inclusivity for various dietary lifestyles. The slow cooker method also preserves nutrients better compared to some high-heat cooking methods. Incorporating such recipes into your weekly meal plan can simplify cooking while providing wholesome, delicious meals. The preparation demands minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the crockpot does the work. This balance of convenience and nutrition aligns with current trends in healthy, easy-to-make slow cooker recipes favored by many home cooks and meal preppers.
