Balsamic Garlic Chicken

Using the partnership of Balsamic vinegar and garlic, chicken is given an amazing flavor.  By using the slow cooker, you not only have a meal ready after a long day, but the chicken is incredibly tender.  I served it with a side of Dreamfield's Penne, but I've also served it with brown rice.  Both are delicious.

Balsamic Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. rosemary
½ tsp. thyme
Salt and pepper

Directions:
1.)  Pour the olive oil on the bottom of the slow cooker. 

2.)  Add the chicken breasts, then salt and pepper each side of the chicken. 

3.)  Put the sliced onions on top of the chicken, along with all of the herbs and garlic cloves. Pour the balsamic vinegar over everything and top with the canned tomatoes. 

4.)  Cook on high for 4 hours. This dish is great served with brown rice.

Tex Mex Chicken Soup

Another delicious soup for you to enjoy.  This one combines my love of soup and avocado.  Yum!  It also uses the slow cooker, so toss the ingredients in and it is ready when you get home from work.  This was one that had lots leftover for lunches throughout the week.

Tex Mex Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

2 15-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, including juice
1 can black beans, drained
10 sweet yellow peppers cut into strips
1 small yellow onion, chopped into small pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 -1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin salt and pepper
4 corn tortillas, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/2 cup shredded Monterrey jack cheese
1 avocado diced and tossed with lime juice to prevent browning
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions:
1.)  Place chicken in slow cooker.

2.)  In a separate bowl, combine chilies, garlic, onion, black beans, yellow peppers, tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth and cumin. Blend and pour over chicken.

3.)  Cook on high for 3 hours. When chicken is tender, use 2 forks to shred. Adjust seasoning and add additional chicken broth if necessary.

4.)  Just before serving, add tortillas and cilantro to slow cooker. Stir and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve in soup bowls, topping each with shredded cheese, diced avocado and a squeeze of lime.