Chicken Coop Chatter©
Chicken soup is comfort food and grandma was right as science has discovered. The broth from chicken is healthy, low fat and helps with the immune system as well as soothes symptoms when cold or flu season hits. With the addition of Quinoa and Chickpeas, more of that great immune building brings together a lot of flavor and texture to the soup. If you have not tried Quinoa before, it's a near perfect food, loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals essential to a healthy diet. Chickpeas may be known best as Garbanzo beans and are available either canned or dried. The healthy vegetables add color to an otherwise bland looking soup, but there is nothing bland in the flavor of the roasted Quinoa, seared chicken and flavored broth. This hearty and heart healthy soup is delicious and filling.
1 large boneless, skinless Chicken breast (or 2 small)
1 bunch Cauliflower
1 bunch Broccoli
1 Cup Carrots (sliced or baby carrots)
1/2 medium onion (sliced thin)
1 C. Chickpeas (dried, but canned will work)
1/2 C. Quinoa (roasted)
2 T. Dehydrated Chicken Broth (or liquid broth)*
6 C. Water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 T. Poultry seasoning
Cut up the chicken breast in bite size pieces or slice in 1/2 inch slices (remove any excess fat). Sear in a preheated cast iron skillet without oil until both sides are golden brown. Roast the quinoa in a skillet without oil until fragrant and nicely browned. Cut up the vegetables. Place the chicken and quinoa in the slow cooker, add the pre-rinsed, pre-soaked Chickpeas or canned. Add the vegetables and sprinkle the powdered broth over the contents. Add 6-8 cups hot water. Stir to blend all the ingredients. Set the slow cooker on high for 4 hours. Add salt, pepper and Poultry seasoning to taste. Set the slow cooker on low for 2 more hours or until the vegetables are tender, yet firm.
Serving Suggestion: Add a green salad and garlic toast or bread sticks if desired.
NOTE: Rotisserie or pre-cooked left over chicken can be used, and the soup can be cooked on the stove-top to shorten the time. It is done when the chickpeas and vegetables are tender, yet firm. Allow the chickpeas to cook at least an hour on the stove. The chickpeas can be soaked overnight in plain water or cooked separately and added to the finished soup.
To make your own chicken broth refer to the link. http://justfowlingaround.weebly.com/recipes-for-self-reliance/homemade-meat-broth
To make your own poultry seasoning refer to the link. justfowlingaround.weebly.com/seasoning-and-sauces/poultry-seasoning
Chicken Coop Chatter© All Rights Reserved 2011-2017