August 11, 2013

Tuscan Chicken and Beans

Tuscan Chicken and Rice
Tuscan Chicken and Rice



West Virginia has taught me to slow down. Growing up in Seattle everything was always busy. I woke-up early, I worked long hours and I was always stressed. When I moved to West Virginia I stuck out. I didn't understand why it took a week for my paper work to be processed for my apartment or that when I went in to my work study assignment that the office had taken Friday off. After 10 years I have learned to love taking things a little slower. This afternoon my husband and I took my two boys and our dog around taking photos. In typical summer fashion there was a large summer downpour. Everyone at the park ran to their cars and waited. No one pulled away, we just all watched the storm and took a moment. It was perfect. There are many things that can be frustrating about life, but learning to sit on your porch and enjoy the summer warmth, say hello to your neighbor and just relax is something that we could all do with a little more of. So thank you West Virginia for teaching me that sometimes it's okay to just sit and wait, most things can sit at least a few minutes. With slowing down in mind, I made a slow cooker recipe today. I tried a new recipe for Tuscan Chicken and Beans from the September 2013 issue of Family Circle magazine.
Camden Park Wayne County, WV
Camden Park Wayne County, WV

This recipe has 13 ingredients. It takes 8 hours and 15 minutes of total time, 15 minutes of which is active and makes 6 servings. The major change I made to the original recipe was to make my own Greek seasoning. I try to cut costs as much as I can and making seasoning blends is much cheaper. I already had all the ingredients so it was easy to put together. Instead of using an additional 1/2 teaspoon of thyme I increased the amount of seasoning to 2 teaspoons. The Greek seasoning that I prepared already had thyme so I found it unnecessary to add more. At dinner time I was unmotivated to go down to my garden to pick fresh oregano, so I left it out. The taste was delicious without it.
Camden Park Sign Wayne County, WV
Camden Park Sign Wayne County, WV

My kids who have been horrible about eating dinner recently, loved this recipe. They ate their entire plates, which for them is a big thing. My husband was also very impressed, especially since he has been burned out on chicken thighs, but was very pleased with them in this recipe. The flavors work very well together and the chicken is fall off the bone tender. The recipe would also work well with lamb instead of the chicken.

For the recipe go to Tuscan Chicken and Beans. (registration required)

Tuscan Chicken and Beans


Recipe Type: Main
Summary:
A slow cooker chicken thigh recipe for Tuscan Chicken and Beans. Great flavor and easy to prep.
Preparation Time: 0h, 15m
Total Time: 8h, 15m
Yield: Serves 6

16 comments:

  1. Learning to sit and just enjoy the moment is something that I am striving to learn how to do too.

    Happy summer.

    velva

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    1. I think we all are :) I hope you're having a great summer!

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  2. I'm from NY where all we do is run around all the time as well. I'm starting to learn to relax here in CO as well. We had hail today as well where we live. Seems like everyone has had a little bit of bad weather today. The food looks delicious. We've had a lot of chicken lately as well and a change will be nice. :)

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    1. We eat a lot of chicken too. It's nice to be able to change things up every once in a while!

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  3. This looks great! I think my husband and I can both eat all of the ingredients which seems to be an issue lately!

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    1. My husband and I both have different food issues too so I understand :)

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  4. I'm always looking out for slow cooker recipes. This one sounds delicious and healthy too. Will have to try.

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    1. I love using my slow cooker too :) It's a great way to save time and money!

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  5. I love crock pot recipes - especially for once school goes back next month and I'll be in a big time crunch again.

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    1. I love crock pot recipe too. They are great during the school year I agree!

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  6. Growing up in Vancouver I know exactly what you mean. What an adjustment it is to settle down to a slower way of life. But its wonderful and important. Loved this post Ann!

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    1. It really is an adjustment :) I'm much happier now though, I would never go back to the fast pace!

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  7. I am ahuge chicken eater so I am sure I would finish my plate!

    I live in NYC where it's fast paced. So used to it now that when I travel to the suburbs I don't know what to do with myself.

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    1. I love chicken too :) I thought when I moved that it would be hard to adjust too. It took a couple of years, but now I don't think twice about taking things a little slower :)

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  8. That's one thing I've love about going down South...that and everyone seems to be much more friendly. Bostonians are known for their...prickliness. This sounds delicious. I love using my slow cooker. I think trying it with lamb would be really tasty, too!

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    Replies
    1. Being in Seattle are very self involved, so I understand :) It would be great with lamb, I love lamb dishes they are yummy!

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