Crockpot 7up Chicken

7up Crockpot Chicken by Beth Madden
I love this recipe because it is probably the easiest throw in the crockpot recipe that I've ever made. It is a spin off of two recipes that I love: chicken stir fry and 7up grilled chicken. It can be tossed into the crockpot and the cooking does itself.
Taste: I love foods full of flavor and Soy Sauce is sure to do that job! It gives the meal the salty but intense flavor that anything made with rice needs. The vegetables add the earthy flavor that helps cut through all the salt.
Ease of preparation: I don't think this could get any easier to throw together and make. A low prep time and even though the cook time is lengthy, it requires no stirring or checking on. Set your timer and enjoy your day.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3-6 hours depending on cut of chicken
Serving size: 4-6 servings

Recipe:

Crockpot 7up Chicken
2 cups 7up soda pop
3/4 cup Soy Sauce
1 tsp minced garlic (substitute 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
1/2 cup Water
4-6 Raw Boneless Chicken Breasts cleaned
2 cups Carrots*
2 cups Celery*

Optional: half an onion*
*Please use FRESH produce

Rice
2 cup white minute rice (I use this because it's quickest)
2 cup water

Optional: more rice for more people

Preparation: 3 hour cook time
You will need a medium to large sized crockpot with a lid. Whisk together 7up, Soy Sauce, garlic, and water in the crockpot. Slice raw chicken to tender sized pieces, about a half inch thick and a couple inches long*. Cut carrots and celery to one inch sized pieces. Put everything in the crockpot at the same time on LOW and cook for 3 hours.
When done cooking, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add rice, cover, and remove from heat. Rice will be done in 5 minutes.*

*If you use WHOLE chicken breasts, your cook time will be 5-6 hours. If you have a meat thermometer, it should be approximately 165 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature. It is always safe to check internal temp so as not to over or under cook the protein. May use brown rice for a healthier option, cook time will change and will be listed on the box of rice you purchase.

Nutritional Analysis
Protein: Chicken is a really good and healthy source of protein, even better when it's not fried. (I always try to avoid frying any protein for better nutritional value.) Protein plays a vital role in the building of tissue and organs, as well as regulatory processes.
Vitamins and minerals: plenty of vitamins and minerals from FRESH carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Vitamins and minerals are crucial for bone production and health, as well as maintaining other normal limits of function within the body.
Carbohydrates: Rice is loaded with carbs, and if you opt to use brown rice, it is really loaded with carbs. These are utilized for energy and are a healthier source of energy and carbohydrates. Our primary source of energy.
Lipids: Very low amount of fat in this meal. Even better to love! Fats work in production of hormones as well as building cell membranes.
One big negative aspect of this meal is the amount of sodium it contains. The soy sauce is overloaded with sodium by itself which is over a thousand milligrams per teaspoon. High sodium causes abnormalities such as high blood pressure that could lead to stroke or heart attack, as well as water retention that causes swelling as well as the kidneys' ability to perform regulatory functions. The meal could use more nutrient dense food. This dish contains little to no dairy. It is possible to get calcium from other nondairy foods such as leafy greens and soy products. Add to your taste for calcium content.

Nutritional Value
4-6 Servings
Per serving:
Calories: 491
Total Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrate: 61 g
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 1338 mg
Protein: 31.1 g