Here we go again...Day 1: Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Paul has softball tonight; so I knew I needed to make something that required very little prep once he got home, hence the crock pot dish. This is from Dianna who as never steered me wrong on a recipe. She is the genius behind cake balls, so basically I trust any recipe she suggests. I'm not a big green pepper fan, but I assumed that they would wilt away to nothing after cooking for 8 hours, and I wouldn't even know that they were there.

This recipe is about 200 calories per serving depending on the size of your thigh. Clearly, not your thigh, although looking at my own thigh reminded me to choose a smaller chicken thigh to dine on. A serving includes one thigh and a ladle full of sauce. You can add a cup of any type pasta for an additional 200 calories.

Those of you who are Weight Watcher freaks like me will be happy to hear that this recipe with noodles is only 8 points. If you buy a high fiber pasta, it could lower to 7 points.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (1 cup=4 points)

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

14.5 oz can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

¼ cup dry red wine or chicken broth

1 Tablespoon tomato paste

¾ tsp dried oregano

¾ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

Step 1: Place all ingredients in slow cooker with chicken on top

Step 2: Cook 5-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low

Step 3: Make pasta if desired

Kitchen Play by Play: So we all know by now how much I hate touching raw chicken, yet I decided to buy bone IN thighs WITH skin because I am a Jew, and it was much cheaper. Therefore, my prep time was far longer than it should have been because I was ripping away at the skin and peeling off the slimy membrane that was underneath. I did not even try to de-bone the thighs. I figured the meat would be so tender that the bones would be easy to locate. Once I dealt with the chicken mockery, the rest of the prep was simple and quick. I added 2 tablespoons of tomato paste just because. I figured it couldn't hurt and again, the Jew in me was upset about buying an entire can for just one measly tablespoon. I chose to use low sodium chicken broth mostly because I did not have dry red wine in the house. What is considered a dry red wine anyway? I only ever have Shiraz or Cabernet on my wine rack. I used 5 chicken thighs and a very large clove of garlic. I did not add more mushrooms even though a cup seemed like it was not nearly enough. My Jewness did not win here because frankly the mushrooms seemed a little sketchy. There was an unpleasant feel to them that I did not care for. But yes, I still added a cup after thoroughly washing them. I set the crock pot for 8 hours and went about my day. I made mini penne and broccoli(in the steam bags) to go with the meal.

The Finished Product

The Verdict:
Nicole: First off, I was very surprised by how much pasta was on my plate after measuring out a cup. It was definitely worth the extra points. The chicken was super tender and moist, and the bone did fall right out once it hit my plate. The peppers were hard to find and did not bother me at all. I would add more mushrooms next time because I love them. The flavor of the sauce was really good. I would maybe add a clove or two more of garlic next time and maybe a tad more salt, but other than that, it was perfect. I was really full. Well, well worth the 8 points. I'd give it a 4.

Paul-gives it a 4. Chicken was tender, but the sauce was a little thin.

Austin: was taking the chicken by handfuls and shoving it into his mouth. He actually did not finish his noodles, but he took two helpings of broccoli of course.