4C's Chili

Chicken, chili, clean(er), crock-pot.  4 C's I love catchy titles.

Some days you just want something filling and warm because you can't shake the cold. Those days I get a hunger for some chili.  I had some thawed chicken breasts in the fridge waiting for a use.  I figured I had to be able to find a chicken chili recipe.

I could probably make this recipe healthier if I soaked my beans instead of using canned beans...but time was of the essence.   My  husband has been trying to get me to can tomatoes myself, but I am just not ready for that yet either.

My husband loves to dump mountains of oyster crackers on top of his chili, or he likes it served on top of pasta.  I am trying to help my family make better eating choices; so, I added Triscuit crackers to the chili.  Triscuits are made of only three ingredients, and I can name them all.  If we want a more filling dish, we will eat the chili on top of quinoa now.  Baby steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

INGREDIENTS

• 3-4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 T chili powder
• 1 T cayenne pepper
• 2 t ground cumin
• pepper to taste
• fire roasted diced tomatoes
• tomato paste
• chili beans

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place chicken in slow cooker. Top with broth and all other ingredients.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
3. Garnish and serve.

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 15 minutes prep; 6 hours cooking time
Source: a facebook share

Taco Chili

Work lunchtime often includes tasting other people's foods.  We copy and trade recipes.  Some of my favorite recipes come from the collection my coworkers made for as a wedding present.

On a cold January day, this chili smelled delicious when it was reheating in the microwave; everyone in lunchroom begged for the ingredients.  I picked everything up on my way home, and it was in the crock pot the next day.  It is filling enough on its own, but it's also great topping a baked potato or served  in a bread bowl or pasta.


INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ground turkey breast
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 3 T ranch dressing mix
• 3 T taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 1 bag frozen corn, cooked
• 1 can (15 oz) stewed tomatoes
• 1 small can diced green chilies (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Brown meat and onions; drain.  Add celery and garlic, cook through.
2. Add meat mixture to a large pot; without draining, add all other ingredients.
3. Simmer 1 hour or cook on low in a crock pot for 6 hours.

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 15 minutes prep; 6 hours slow cooking

Source: my coworker