zucchini slow cooker recipe

The Best zucchini slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share this zucchini slow cooker recipe with you, it’s a game-changer for any meal, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through a cookbook, and I was immediately drawn to the simplicity and flavor profile of the dish.

The key to this recipe is in the slow cooking process, which allows the zucchini to break down and become tender, while still retaining its natural sweetness. This technique is perfect for busy home cooks like myself, who want to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

My family loves this recipe, and it’s become a staple in our household. We enjoy it as a main course, or as a side dish to complement our favorite proteins.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and spices. I’ve experimented with various combinations and found that adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil really elevates the dish.

My kids adore helping me prep the ingredients and loading them into the slow cooker – it’s a fun family activity that we all look forward to. As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly healthy, making it a great option for those of us who are watching our waistlines.

Zucchini is packed with nutrients like vitamin C and potassium, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Slow Cooker Zucchini and Chicken Stew

4.9 from 1686 votes

A hearty and comforting stew made with tender zucchini and chicken, slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is a great way to use fresh zucchini from your garden or local market.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
6Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
7Add sliced zucchini, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
8Stir to combine.
9Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the zucchini mixture in the slow cooker.
10Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
11Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
12Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the zucchini mixture.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to make it more colorful and nutritious. Serve over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the stew.

One of my favorite things about this zucchini slow cooker recipe is how well it keeps in storage – we often have leftovers that last for days after preparing the initial batch.

When reheating leftovers from this recipe, I recommend using either the microwave or oven method – both work beautifully without compromising on flavor or texture.

When reheating in the microwave, be sure to cover your container with plastic wrap or foil to prevent overcooking; if using the oven method, simply place your leftovers in an oven-safe container and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Zucchini and Chicken Stew

1. Can I use other vegetables in this zucchini slow cooker recipe?

Yes, you can definitely mix in other vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, and carrots work well and add extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables may take longer to cook than zucchini.

2.What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this in the oven?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can still make this recipe in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), transfer the ingredients to a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the zucchini is tender.

3. How do I store leftovers?

To store leftovers, let the zucchini cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, this recipe can be easily adapted to be vegetarian or vegan. If you want to keep it vegetarian, just skip any meat or add a plant based meat substitute. If you want to make it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any dairy products.

5. How do I know when the zucchini is done?

The zucchini is done when it’s tender and easily pierced with a fork. This usually takes around 4 to 6 hours on low in the slow cooker. However, the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the zucchini pieces and your specific slow cooker. Check it occasionally to avoid overcooking.

6. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, you can add meat to this recipe if you like. Ground beef, chicken, or turkey would work well. Simply brown the meat first, then add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is cooked through.

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