Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili

This has been one of our families favorite chicken chili recipes this year.  Sarah shared this with our family and we both have made it a lot...we just forgot to get it up on the blog!  This is a must try recipe that I am sure will be a hit!  We always serve this soup with all the optional toppings. -Kristin 

 

1 cup of quinoa, rinsed

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 (16 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed, drained

1 (15 ounce) can of corn, drained

3 cups chicken broth

2 large chicken breasts, or chicken thighs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or reduce to your spiciness preference)

2 teaspoon chili powder

 

Optional toppings:  shredded cheese, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips.

• Put all of the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-7.
• Remove chicken and shred and then return it to slow cooker.
• Top individual bowls with optional toppings and ENJOY!

Whole Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

This is the best and easy way to make up a delicious and tender whole chicken.  This recipe is from my mom and has been passed around a lot with great compliments by all who have tried it, ENJOY!  The leftover cooking liquid makes the most delicious gravy too!  -Kristin

3 teaspoons salt (regular or Kosher)
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon thyme)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Sliced onions
1 whole chicken

• Combine all the seasonings.
• Place sliced onions on bottom of slow cooker.
• Place the whole chicken on top of onions and rub the seasoning mixture all over.
• Cook on low for 8 hours.

Delectable Marinated Chicken Thighs

This is a super yummy marinade for chicken thighs!  It is quick and easy to throw together.  Sarah found this recipe from the All Recipes website and we both have made it several times! -Kristin

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauces
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 Tablespoon molasses
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring, optional
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup canola oil
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs

• Mix together Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, liquid smoke, and molasses in a resealable plastic bag until the molasses has dissolved.
• Add sesame seeds, brown sugar, paprika, garlic salt, garlic pepper, minced garlic, and canola oil; mix well.
• Coat chicken thighs with the marinade, seal, and marinate for 4 hours in the refrigerator, redistributing the chicken in the marinade occasionally.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat.
• Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Grill on preheated grill until the chicken is done.  Discard any remaining marinade.

 

Taco Pasta

This is a quick and easy dinner that is so yummy! -Kristin

1 pound rotini
1 pound ground beef
chopped green pepper; optional
1 small onion chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
8 ounce package cream cheese, cut into 8ths
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese

• Cook pasta according to directions; drain and set aside.
• Brown beef in skillet with the green pepper and onion. Drain fat.
• Add garlic to beef and cook and stir for 30 seconds.
• Add taco seasoning and salsa. Stir to combine and heat on low.
• In a saucepan with medium heat add cream cheese, milk and sour cream. Stir to combine. Cook until cream cheese is melted and mixture is thick and bubbly. Use a whisk once it is melted.
• Stir in shredded cheese.
• Add cheese sauce to beef and combine all with noodles...Dinner is ready :)

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sarah and I have people in our lives who are gluten free and have made these delicious cookies to share with them.  But, we don't just make them for those that are gluten free because they are so delicious!  Anyone who likes peanut butter and chocolate will love them!  -Kristin 

1 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup chocolate chips 

• Beat the peanut butter and sugar together.
• Add the egg, baking soda and salt.
• Stir in the chocolate chips.
• Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 for 11-14 minutes.

Red Roasted Carrots

I found this simple recipe from this blog, Rachel Schultz.  If you do not have sesame oil, just use a some more olive oil in its place.  This is a great recipe for roasted carrots! -Kristin

8 carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally in about 1/2 inch pieces

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Mix all the ingredients together and place on a baking sheet in a single layer.  
• Roast in a 400 degree oven for 20-30 minutes. 

Quinoa with Corn

I adapted this from a recipe I found off of Pinterst and it is really good.  I served it with our Lebanese Chicken that is on our blog.  I loved the lemon butter sauce on the quinoa.  That sauce on plain cooked quinoa would be a great, simple side dish too! -Kristin

4 ears corn, cooked and taken off of cob or 1 cup cooked frozen corn

1 Tablespoon grated fresh lemon zest

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 Tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups uncooked quinoa

4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

4 green onions, chopped

• Prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, honey, salt and pepper in a large bowl.  Set aside.
• Place quinoa in a strainer and rinse. (unrinsed quinoa can have a bitter flavor, so rinse it well)
• Place rinsed quinoa, water and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about 20 minutes until cooked through.
• Add the quinoa, corn kernels and chopped green onions together with the dressing and toss until it's evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper and serve.