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Cozy Crockpot Chicken Breast Meal Prep Bowls

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These Cozy Crockpot Chicken Breast Meal Prep Bowls are the ultimate easy, budget-friendly, and customizable meal prep solution. Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic for tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken (5 minutes). Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Trim off any visible fat or silverskin. Pat dry with paper towels. Place in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
  2. Mix the seasonings (2 minutes). In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil and stir to form a paste. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, coating both sides evenly.
  3. Add the broth (1 minute). Pour chicken broth around the chicken, not directly over it, to avoid washing off the seasoning paste. The broth should come about halfway up the sides of the chicken.
  4. Cook on low (3 to 4 hours). Cover the crockpot and set to low. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Start checking at the 3-hour mark. Do not cook on high.
  5. Shred the chicken (5 minutes). Using two forks or tongs, transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let rest for 2-3 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Add the vegetables (1 minute). Return shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add frozen mixed vegetables and stir gently. Let sit in the hot broth for 5 minutes to warm through, or 10 minutes for softer vegetables.
  7. Cook the rice (15-20 minutes, can be done simultaneously). Prepare rice according to package directions. Rinse rice under cold water before cooking for fluffier results. Start rice about 30 minutes before the chicken is done.
  8. Assemble the bowls (5 minutes). Divide cooked rice among meal prep containers. Top with chicken and vegetable mixture. Spoon a little cooking broth over each bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  9. Cool and store (15 minutes). Let bowls cool completely before sealing containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the chicken; 3-4 hours on low is ideal. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. If using frozen chicken, add about 1 hour to cooking time. The bowls taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, meal prep, chicken breast, slow cooker, healthy, easy dinner, budget-friendly

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-crockpot-chicken-breast-meal-prep-bowls/