​Slow cooker recipes like this one are fantastic for two reasons. First, it’s a nearly effortless meal. Throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and then come home to a hot meal in the evening. Isn’t that pretty much like having a personal chef?Second, there’s a lot of flexibility in the ingredients you can use in a recipe like this. Don’t have butternut squash? Use pretty much any other type of winter squash or even sweet potato. Don’t have chicken thighs? Sub in beef or pork. No onions but have a bunch of bell peppers? Chop ’em up and throw ’em in!

Planning ahead by making dinner in the slow cooker is a fantastic way to stay on track with your healthy eating plan.

Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

What you need
Serves 8

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 (4oz) can green chiles, chopped (I use mild!)
1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (16oz) jar green salsa
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped plus more for garnish
1 Tablespoon ground cumin
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon fajita seasoning
2 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Large lettuce leaves
Avocado, sliced

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients, except the lettuce leaves and avocado, in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.

2. Remove the chicken thighs, shred with a fork, and mix back in. Serve, using a slotted spoon, on the lettuce leaves. Garnish with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of fajita seasoning. Enjoy!

Nutrition
One serving equals 202 calories, 6g fat, 589mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, and 20g protein.