Healthier Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

1 tablespoon chopped carrot

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1 tablespoon chopped onion

1 clove garlic

¼ teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed

2 tablespoons butter

4 ounces Neufchatel cheese

8 ounces natural cream of chicken soup

1 cup frozen peas

Combine the carrot, parsley, onion, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and ground pepper in a small blender or food processor. Process until finely chopped and transfer to slow cooker. Add chicken and butter and mix. Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours.

Stir in Neufchatel cheese, chicken soup, and peas. Cook on High until heated through, about 30 minutes.