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A close-up shot of the key ingredients for a healthy crockpot meal: chicken breasts, carrots, broccoli, and a lemon on a rustic wooden board.
FL Recipes

Balanced Slow Cooker Meals: Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice

Discover the ultimate balanced slow cooker meal! This Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe is an easy, one-pot dinner packed with lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights and healthy meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3-4 breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain brown rice rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart)
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Knife

Method
 

  1. In the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom. Top with the chopped carrots, then sprinkle the rinsed brown rice over everything. Gently push the rice down to ensure it is submerged in the broth.
  3. Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and add the broccoli florets on top. Replace the lid and continue cooking.
  5. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalProtein: 40gFat: 8gFiber: 7g

Notes

For best results, do not lift the lid while cooking, as this lets heat escape and can affect the cooking time, especially for the rice.
If you prefer, you can use fresh herbs. Use a 3:1 ratio of fresh to dried herbs (e.g., 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of 1 teaspoon dried).
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword balanced slow cooker meals,healthy crockpot recipe,slow cooker chicken and rice

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