Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken & Rice

Once I discovered how the source of many of the challenges I have faced boil down to a compound gene mutation, I had to take a step back. It was important to discover how a healthy, nutritional balance could exist and still allow me to enjoy wonderful foods! This is when I found Trim Healthy Mama and began adjusting the recipes to the tastes of my family, while also ensuring I created meals I could eat. If you are familiar with THM, then you will be somewhat familiar with this style of recipe. On the other side of the coin, if you are not familiar with THM, then the essential function involves following a 3-hour eating schedule. Enjoying one style of three types of meals: (1) S - Satisfying meals high in fat but low in carbs; (2) E - Energizing meals high in carbs, but low in fat; or (3) F - Fuel Pulls - Meals low in carbs and fat (also can include some of these meals in sides for the other two meals. That is just a simplification, but figure that is better than nothing. This meal, because of the carb content falls in the E category and makes an amazing dinner idea on the days you want to come home and not worry about cooking!

There are several variations of this meal you can discover, and while I cannot say for sure how my version finally unfolded, I can say, it has become a family favorite! Plus, since I attend school full-time (I have decided to return for a dietician licenses because I need more information to treat myself, and as my husband would explain, the knowledge surrounding dietetics and nutrition is perhaps my greatest love outside of my family and the Father) I want to help others discover how food, health, and nutrition all works together closely!

Before you begin, it is so important to understand, while you may use "store bought" taco seasoning, I make my own for several important reasons. One of the primary being the need to avoid all condiments and food which may contain folic acid. Since I have confirmed MTHFR mutations, I have learned the importance of focusing on ingredients made naturally and that do not include any preservatives!

For this reason, I want to provide the recipe I utilize when wanting to make this dish, or any other which calls for taco seasoning. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and have it waiting for any recipe which may call for taco seasoning!

Combine the following ingredients (I keep mine in a pint jar I vacuum seal to keep fresh!)

• 4 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 c. Onion Powder
• 2 Tbsp. Black Pepper
• 3/4 c. Chili Powder
• 4 Tbsp. Mineral Salt
• 2 Tbsp. Smoked Paprika
• 4 Tbsp. Cumin
• 2 Tbsp. Cayenne Pepper

Keeping this mixture prepared ahead of time, you are sure to elect it as a "go-to" for most "taco" style dishes you crave! You can add or remove the Cayenne to suit your family's tastes!

1. Since I love them, always recommend using a slow cooker liner in your crock pot.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with taco seasoning, coating all over, and place in the slow cook
3. Then, place the tomatoes, tomato paste, diced peppers and onions (or if you really want a quick shortcut, can use 1 pk. of diced onions and peppers from the freezer section of your local grocery store!), cilantro, garlic, and black beans into the slow cooker. (NOTE: Add a little water to help cook the beans).
4. Turn slow cooker on low for eight hours.
5. About 1 hour before serving, steam your rice and fluff (rice cookers are great here!)
6. Before serving, use two forks and shred the chicken, stir in the rice and combine all ingredients!
7. Serve!

So, you have an amazing slow cooker meal, are there any ideas for something to prepare as a side? I love a fresh salad! Sometimes, I may saute some yellow and zucchini squash as well!

If going for a salad, I may add a tsp of mozzarella cheese to it, but normally it is spinach/kale mix topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, diced onions, and possibly a touch of raisins. Use a low-fat dressing, or just toss together a little bit of olive oil and vinegar (I love this with a hint of MCT Oil as well!)

Another wonderful aspect of adding a salad, you have a healthy serving of greens! Pile it up high! Plus, make it your own! Everyone has preferences for what they include in a salad and as long as you keep the fat to a minimum, it works perfectly!

Our family enjoys a variety of options with this dish, but we do love the salad the most! Once in a while, I may mix it up by preparing an approved E-meal dessert or enjoy a small serving of fruit. There are days when I have to enjoy a little more, and I have learned to adapt! I like a La Croix Mix I have created as the perfect side drink and never feel like I am missing out!

When preparing this meal, seek to make it your own and prep it to suit the family. A lot of individuals have asked why I would make this meal during these hot summer months around my home, but the truth is, it just works! There are so many options to create a meal your family will ask for again and again. Plus, the simplicity of the meal will quickly become a favorite!

Now, if you want to make it even easier, you can use things such as canned black beans (if you do this, don't add the beans in until the end and make sure to rinse them!), frozen diced onions and peppers (no chopping!), and replace the freshly diced tomatoes with two cans of roasted diced tomatoes.

Another "easy" option is to consider using chicken you have previously shredded, with no seasonings, and mix all these ingredients together in a large pot and can prep it in around 30 minutes. I haven't done this myself, but I do know several family members who have prepped it this way and said it still turns out perfect!