Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

SmoochTheCook's Note:

I found this recipe on the Betty Crocker site and decided to give it a whirl. I changed things around just a tad, but nothing monumental. The original recipe called for salsa, but all I had was picante sauce, which turned out to be terrific! The squash, while perfect for my taste, turns out very soft. My son said, "Mommy, can eat just the squash?" High marks for the kid who complained as I was cutting it for the dish.

• Total Time: 28 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 1/2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 75 g bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, each cut into 3 pieces (1 1/4 pounds)
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1/3 cup picante sauce (salsa, if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup couscous

Directions:

1. 1. Layer squash, bell pepper and chicken in 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Mix tomatoes, salsa, raisins, cinnamon and cumin; pour over mixture in slow cooker.
2. 2. Cover and cook on low heat setting about 7 hours or until squash is tender and juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. During last 10 minutes of cook time, cook couscous as directed on package.
3. 3. Remove chicken and vegetables from slow cooker with slotted spoon. Serve over couscous. Stir sauce in slow cooker; spoon over chicken mixture.
4. Note: This recipe was tested in slow cookers with heating elements in the side and bottom of the cooker, not in cookers that stand only on a heated base. For slow cookers with just a heated base, follow the manufacturer’s directions for layering ingredients and choosing a temperature.

Reviews

[ruby84]

Very tasty. The raisins brought out a nice sweet flavor in contrast to the salsa. Used salsa instead of picante sauce and served over noodles.

[zoegirl21]

I excluded the raisins and peppers because my family doesn't like either of them, but I did use chunky salsa so it would have more texture. I was unprepared to make this but did it anyway. I didn't have couscous and I used the last of our ground cumin a couple nights ago , but I threw in some garlic powder and served it with egg noodles on the side. It was extremely delicious and I was really pleased. My picky brother claimed the squash tasted like chicken. The chicken was perfectly tender and it had a very nice taste and aroma. Thanks a bunch. Sorry to make it so long. Jeez.

[Chef #898593]

A great fall dish that makes use of in-season squash and makes a home smell great. Benefits from some added salt.