CROCK POT CHEESY CHICKEN

Yesterday was Columbus Day, so my office was closed for the holiday.

It was so nice being able to relax, and hang out at home, without having a real agenda.  Altough I had a lot of things that I wanted to get done, I chose instead to just chill out.  It was well needed, and deserved! Such a restful day!

One thing I did do though was cook! Well, I guess I prepped food, the crock pot actually cooked the meal for me!  This was another simple recipe, I had pretty much everything already available, except for the rice.  Must have the rice though -- I think it really gave it the flavor that the recipe needed. It didn't seem like it was going to be a lot of food until it was complete. 

Recipe serves 8 so be ready for leftovers! Also, I had never cooked Zatarain's and didn't realize that it took 25 minutes to cook.  So during the last half hour of cooking in crock pot, get the rice started so it does hold you up!

Husband and 2 year old son loved this recipe! Felt bad because I didn't plan very well for this meal. My son had pretty much the same meal for lunch at day care.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (8oz) box Zatarain’s Yellow Rice, cooked according to package.
•  4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I used frozen chicken, of course)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or cheese blend
• 1 medium onion, chopped (I used just half an onion only because my son is pretty sensitive to onion -- although usually only raw onion, not cooked -- but didn't want to take the chances)
• 1 (10.5oz) can cream of chicken soup (I used 98% fat free, reduced sodium "healthier" soup)
• 1 (15oz) can of corn, drained
• 1 (15oz) can of french cut green beans, drained (or any kind --this was not in the original recipe but I have had this lonely can of french cut green beans in pantry for what seems years. I just decided to use it to get rid of it)
•  2 cups chicken stock  
• Minced Garlic (original recipe did not call for this but I added it in anyway. I used the stuff in the jar so I just scooped and stirred it in)

 DIRECTIONS:

1. Place chicken into crock pot and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle your chopped onions on top of chicken.
2. Mix together the two cups of chicken broth and can of cream of chicken soup. Pour mixture over chicken (will still be lumpy).
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
4.  Right before serving, use 2 forks to shred chicken
5.  Add in cooked Zatarain's yellow rice, cheese, corn, and green beans.

Please, Ignore the messy crock pot splatter lol.

6. Mix well, until cheese is completely melted.


Original Recipe from Family Fresh Meals Blog
http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2012/02/crockpot-cheesy-chicken-rice.html