Basic Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Rice

This slow cooker garlic chicken with broccoli & rice meal is a simple, healthy, family-friendly dinner with minimal prep.

Price per serving: ~$1.75 (see breakdown below)

When you need something easy, cheap, filling, and made from basic freezer staples, this slow cooker chicken, broccoli, and rice hits the mark.

It’s one of those “dump and go” meals that works especially well on busy days—no babysitting required, and only one pot to clean.

The best part? It’s balanced, high in protein, and mild enough for kids AND super cost effective.

Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Rice

Save

Ingredients

• 1–1.5 lbs frozen chicken breasts or thighs (I use thighs for extra juiciness)
• 2 cups frozen broccoli
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2-4 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1–2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos

Instructions

Save

Save

Save

Save

1. Add the base
   Place frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and add garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil or butter.
2. Cook the chicken
   Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Shred and return
   Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
4. Add the rice
   Stir in the uncooked rice. Cover and cook for another 1–2 hours, until the rice is soft and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Add the broccoli last
   Stir in frozen broccoli about 20–30 minutes before serving so it stays bright and not overly soft.
6. Adjust and serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos if you want a little extra depth.

Save

Tips for Success

• Add broccoli at the end to avoid mushiness
• If using brown rice, expect slightly longer cook time
• For extra creaminess, stir in a little more butter at the end (more butter is never a bad idea)
• You can swap rice for cauliflower rice (add at the very end) for a lower-carb version

Price Breakdown

Chicken: $6
Frozen broccoli: $1.50
Rice: $.75
Chicken broth: $1.50
Garlic, butter, seasoning: $.75
Total Cost: $10.50 (approx)

Cost Per Serving (6 servings): $1.75 (approx)

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Based on 6 servings using chicken breast and white rice

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~32g
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
• Fat: ~8g
• Fiber: ~3g

This is a great high-protein, balanced meal that keeps you full without being heavy. It’s also super affordable and can be thrown together with ingredients you most likely have on hand!