Fresh Chicken, White Bean and Vegetable🌶 Chili

Bowl of Chili with fresh chicken, white beans, carrots, tomatoes and other fresh ingredients

Fresh Chicken Chili with Vegetables and White Beans

We’ve been off our regular diet as we’ve been traveling a lot lately; to CO to visit with family and to the CO Music Hall of Fame concert induction of Joe Walsh, (my brother took the cover photo of JW’s Barnstorm album). Then turned around and went to OR for the eclipse!

So I’ve been craving some “comfort food” that’s tasty, healthy and satisfying.  I made this Chili soon after we returned–hit the spot!

It’s full of good protein and fiber with the chicken and beans, fresh carrots, onions and tomatoes–hearty and flavorful with just the right amount of heat for me; (I’m a bit of a wuss- but like a little.) It’s also easy to prepare, and makes great leftovers– another big advantage when you’re home after a vacation.

Serve with brown rice and a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette- delicious!

At the CO Music Hall of Fame concert

INGREDIENTS (serves 2-3 with leftovers)

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts (we like the thighs- Trader Joe’s sells Organic thighs that I prefer)
  • 2-3 cans Cannelini and/or white great northern beans
  • 1 quart box low sodium chicken stock (TJ’s again)
  • 1 28 oz can low sodium diced tomatoes with juice
  • 3-4 carrots, chopped into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small can diced jalapeños (mild or hot depending on preference- you probably know I use mild)
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • salt free spices to taste; ground pepper
  • 1-2 Bay leaves
  • 1-3 Tbsp olive oil

TO DO:

1. Chop chicken into 1″ pieces; brown in 1Tbsp. olive oil in 4-6 quart Dutch oven

2. Remove chicken from pan into a bowl, (will be added back soon).

3. Add 1-2 Tbsp. Oil- sauté  onions for 4-5 minutes. Add chopped carrots, sauté another 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté an additional 2 minutes.

3. Add chicken back with vegetables.

4. Add broth, tomatoes, jalapeños, spices.

5. Mash 1 1/2 cans of beans – (this is the Trick to thicken the Chili). Add this and unmashed beans and mix well.

6. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to simmer for 1/2 -3/4 hr. til carrots are tender, not mushy.

Enjoy! www.type2delicious.com

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Greek Chicken a la Crete

chicken with olives artichokes mushrooms

chicken with olives artichokes mushrooms

 

Chicken is such a versatile meat; we enjoy it in many of its iterations from simple roast to this delicious Greek- inspired version chock full of flavor (and healthy veggies).

You can buy pre-cut chicken pieces or buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself. I like doing it that way as it’s fresher and less expensive. Plus I skin my chickens before cooking as well.

Something I learned is not to rinse chicken in advance of cooking- it just spreads any bacteria. Cooking itself kills whatever is on the poultry. Do clean your knives  (or kitchen scissors, cleavers, etc.) and boards thoroughly with hot water and detergent.

Greek Chicken

INGREDIENTS (for 2-4; 2 with leftovers)

  • 1 chicken, cut into pieces (I like organic “smart” chicken)
  • 1/3 cup olives – green and Kalamata mixed
  • 1 package frozen or 1 large (13 oz.) can artichoke hearts
  • 3/4 lb cremini mushrooms, chopped or sliced
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Lemon juice
  • 1tsp dried or 2 Tbsp. fresh minced Oregano or Thyme
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper to taste

TO DO: preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. Spread olive oil over chicken pieces in 9×13 baking dish (I use glass, but Corning Ware, ceramic or metal are all good- your choice)

2. Mix  garlic, artichokes, mushrooms and add to chicken.

3. Pour wine and lemon juice over chicken and vegetables.

4. Place olives around chicken/veggies. (artistically of course !  (<*

5. Sprinkle herbs, spices and seasonings on top to taste.

6. Cover with aluminum foil- bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes longer (stick a knife in joint of a chicken leg- if juice runs clear you’re done)

Serve with whole grains or brown rice and a Greek salad; (recipe to come soon–please follow!)

Oopa! Enjoy! www.type2delicious.com