Classic Slow-Cooked Chicken Dinner

My husband got back from working in Cabo this weekend (tough life!) and I wanted to make a good, hearty chicken dinner for us. This meal utilizes the Crockpot (YAY! I’m always looking for new recipes for the Crockpot) and is rich without being too heavy or unhealthy. You need a little extra time to prepare the chicken rub, but other than that, it’s another easy breezy.

CLASSIC SLOW-COOKED CHICKEN DINNER
adapted from The Nest

All-Purpose Chicken Rub Ingredients

• 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
• 1.5 tbsp salt
• 1.5 tsp dried thyme
• 1.5 tsp ground dried mustard
• 1.5 tsp ground dried sage
• 1.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2/3 cup flour

Chicken Ingredients

• Your choice of chicken drumsticks, thighs and breast halves with wings – Bone in, Skin on (6 to 7 lb. total)
• 1.5 lb medium golden potatoes, quartered
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large onion, cut into chunks
• 24 baby-cut carrots
• 4 celery ribs, cut into ¾-inch lengths
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 2 cups chicken broth

Directions

1. Boil potatoes in several quarts of lightly salted water for around 5 minutes; drain and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. Meanwhile, mix all ingredients for chicken rub together in a medium bowl. Turn chicken in flour mixture until thoroughly coated; pat off excess flour and reserve flour mixture.

2. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides, about 4 minutes per side, and transfer to a plate; set aside.

3. Add remaining vegetable oil to skillet. Add onion, carrots and celery and sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes; then add reserved seasoned flour and stir until vegetables are coated. Add wine and bring to a boil. Add chicken broth and simmer until slightly thickened; pour into the slow cooker on top of the potatoes. Arrange drumsticks and thighs over the vegetables; set breast halves on top of dark meat. Cover cooker and cook for 3 to 4 hours on high (I cooked mine for about 3.5 hours on high), or 5 to 6 hours on low.

4. Remove chicken to a serving platter and surround with potatoes, carrots and celery; keep warm.

It’s Always Possible.

 

Ain’t that the truth! There are always going to be people who don’t “believe” you can do it, people who like to stomp on your dreams when they’re in only in the infant stages, but what those people don’t know is that only pushes me to strive harder. Try harder. Push the limits. And you know what I’ve learned? It’s ALWAYS possible. Always. In some way, shape, or form, you can always achieve your dreams.

A few things that are happening here in Los Angeles:

1. It’s raining. YES! This is super exciting especially since we’ve had such a hot & muggy summer here on the westside. I’m ready for autumn.
2. 7 days ago my husband and I started a 21-day plan to ground ourselves & meditate EVERY morning FIRST thing in the morning. You know that whole thing about being able to start or stop a habit in 21-days? Well, we’re giving that a shot, and it’s going great so far. I have no trouble with grounding myself in the morning, but my meditation is a little more difficult since I’m up early and usually on a tight schedule. It’s sort of turned into a grounding/meditation/yoga/stretching series for me, but if I’m still able to feel calm and clear minded afterwards, then it’s still serving it’s purpose.
3. I read an amazing book that I highly recommend. It’s written by my friend and past co-worker from the gym, and I’m not just endorsing it because of those reasons. I read books often, and this one is excellent. It’s thoughtful, action-packed, and you won’t be able to put it down. Check it out on the kindle,  or hard copy: Luthecker by Keith Domingue! (Check out this review from hopelessly devoted bibliophile)

Now, on to planning my next few “impossibles” to make them “possible”…

Thursday Inspiration from ThePianoGuys

If I could play the piano like this, I would be a very happy woman. It’s hard not to feel inspired after listening to any ThePianoGuys music. Please enjoy Waterfall: