Yay, it’s Friday and I made it through my first week of classes … phew! My head is swarming with new information and I feel a little bit on overload, but it’s all in a good way. It actually feels nice to be back in the classroom, especially because this time, I am learning about things that I’m genuinely interested in. What’s really great is that I can directly apply this stuff at Recreate, where I assist group classes and teach yoga.
Anyway, this fall-themed, cinnamon-spiced recipe was inspired by fellow blogger, Lemons ‘N Lyme’s orange apricot ginger chicken. She posted the recipe earlier in the week and I thought it sounded so good. Plus, I love any excuse to use my slow cooker. I modified the recipe to make it my own, and despite the way it looks, it turned out spicy (not hot spicy, but spiced rather) and delicious. If you like spiced/fall flavors, you’ll enjoy this dish.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 small or mid-size butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated or finely minced
- 1 tart apple, chopped (I used a Bramely, which is an heirloom variety)
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1/2 cup unsulphured dried apricots, chopped
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 – 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp paprika
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
- Kale, chopped and steamed for serving
Directions:
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker and add the squash, onion, apple, ginger and apricots.
- Add in the all the remaining ingredients (orange juice, spices, etc.), except the kale, and mix well with a spoon to mix the spices around.
- Turn slow cooker to low and let cook for 4 – 6 hours or until chicken is done. *Note: mine cooked for about 7 hours because I let it cook overnight and it turned out fine. 5 or 6 is probably ideal though, so the squash doesn’t get too soft.
- Serve the chicken and stew mixture on top of the kale.
I just happen to have a butternut squash sitting on my countertop, I’ll have to try this variation- looks delicious and I love butternut squash! 🙂
I’m sure you’ll like it since it’s similar to your recipe! Thanks for the inspiration, by the way 😉
I love love love crockpot recipes, so simple and tasty! May have to try this one…
That makes two of us! Crock Pot recipes are my best friend 🙂
Now that I have my own slow cooker I can start making these yummy recipes of yours 🙂
Slow cookers are one of the best inventions ever! You will love having one — so handy!
Thanks I know I’m super excited to have one now. I remember my mum using one all the time when we were younger. Do you have any go to blog/websites that you use for recipes. I’ve been looking online and there’s so many out there not sure what’s good and what’s not!
Not really, half the time I just throw stuff in there and it always turns out good! Meat cooked in the slow cooker is the best — it’s tender and moist and you can do shredded meat too. PaleOMG does have some awesome looking slow cooker recipes on her blog though … I think I’ve made a couple of them. Also, there’s a new book out called, Paleo Slow Cooking that’s supposed to be great. I haven’t looked at it yet, but have heard good things.
Ahhh thanks I’ll have a look at PaleOMG, I’ve heard about the book too, might have to pick it up 🙂
come cook for me ? 🙂 I still need to email you back…still so many thoughts and wonderings 😦
I’d cook for you anytime, Rachel 😉 Email me back whenever you get a chance, but take your time … there’s no rush. I can imagine you still have a lot of thoughts. There’s much to think about and consider. Let me know how I can help!
That looks so good! Reminds me of this moroccan lamb stew I’ve made :-). I’ll throw this in the mix for our weekly dinners! So cool you live in Portland by the way…until I’m able to visit I’ll continue to watch portlandia for my fill 😉
Thanks, I hope you like it when you try it out … let me know! Portland is a rad city and I’m grateful to live here. Take advantage of a visit if you ever get the chance. Meanwhile, Portlandia is a great (and funny!) way to see different parts of the city 😉
Ooh! This reminds me of a Moroccan lamb stew I once made, but healthier :-). I’ll make it for dinner this week and let you know the results! I love the idea of Portland. Never been but I get my fill for now watching portlandia 😉
Would it work to toss the ingredients into the freezer in a ziplock for no-prep meal later on?
I haven’t tried it, but I’m sure it would work great with this recipe.