Easy Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives for Lower Blood Pressure
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If you’re managing high blood pressure, embracing the Mediterranean diet is a delicious and effective way to support your heart health. This slow cooker chicken with orzo recipe is packed with lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect addition to your blood pressure-friendly meal plan. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without the stress.
Why This Recipe Is Great for Blood Pressure
- Lean Protein: The boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass and keeping you full without the extra saturated fat that can raise blood pressure.
- Whole Grains: Whole-wheat orzo is a fiber-rich grain that helps regulate blood pressure by reducing cholesterol levels and promoting healthy digestion.
- Low Sodium: Using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling the salt in the recipe helps keep sodium intake in check, which is crucial for those managing hypertension.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes and onions are loaded with antioxidants like lycopene and quercetin, which are known to support heart health.
- Healthy Fats: The olives add a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
>>> Dive into the heart-healthy and delicious world of the Mediterranean Diet with these highly recommended cookbooks.
Mediterranean Diet Recipe: Savory Tomato Sauce with Eggs, Chickpeas, and Spinach For Heart Health
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Serves: 4 servings
>>> Read more: Discover the power of nutritious and delicious eating with the Mayo Clinic Diet’s expertly crafted meal plan. Click here.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 medium onion, halved and sliced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
¾ cup whole-wheat orzo
⅓ cup quartered black or green olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cut each chicken breast half into 4 pieces.
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, broth, tomatoes, onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on High for 1 hour, 30 minutes or on Low for 3 hours, 30 minutes.
- Stir in orzo and olives; cover and cook until the orzo is tender, about 30 minutes more.
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving, then sprinkle with parsley for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving) – 1 egg and 3/4 cup sauce
Calories: 278
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 434mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugars: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Protein: 29g
Magnesium: 34mg
Potassium: 451mg
This Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken with Orzo is more than just a meal—it’s a step toward better heart health. By incorporating this recipe into your weekly rotation, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also taking a proactive approach to managing high blood pressure. Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean diet while giving your heart the care it deserves.
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