Slow Cooker Cuban Style Chicken and Rice

In my next life, when I start another blog, I'll be using Wordpress.  Sorry Google, but last week was the last straw.  YOu see, I write my blog posts about a week ahead of time, then review them and add a few things on the day that I post.  This method works well for me....that is, unless BlogSpot decides to erase my post!  Who knows, maybe it's my fault, but I like to blame Google on this one.  This is the second time this has happened to me!  So, this recipe was meant to be posted a couple weeks ago, but instead you're getting a slow cooker recipe in mid-April.  Oh well.   I don't know about you but my slow cooker doesn't get put away in the Spring or Summer.  Nope, I plan on using it all year round!  In fact, here are some Sensational Summer Slow Cooker Recipes on which I have my EYES.  But of course, those are for future blog posts.  Today, feast your eyes on the Cuban Style Chicken and Rice. Yes, a truly delicious meal!

Slow Cooker Cuban Chicken with Rice

Can be Gluten Free

Source:  Giant Eagle Nutrition Team

Ingredients

2 tsp. olive oil

1.5 cups parboiled brown rice

16 ounces thick and chunky salsa **

1.5 cups low sodium chicken broth **

1.5 lbs. boneless chicken breast, cut into bite size chunks

Pinch of saffron or turmeric, optional (but recommended!)

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. paprika

3/4 tsp. pepper

3/4 tsp. salt

1 cup frozen peas **

3 Tbsp. chopped pasley

1/4 cup Spanish olives, sliced, optional (but recommended!)

Directions

Set slow cooker to high heat; add oil and stir in rice. Let pot heat for a few minutes before stirring in salsa, broth, chicken and spices.  Set to low, cover and cook for about 3-4 hours, until internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees and rice is tender.  Stir in peas and parsley; cover for another 5 minutes to warm through.  Garnish with olives before serving.  

Estimated Nutrition Facts (for 1-cup): 270 calories, 4.5 grams fat, .5 grams saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 520 mg sodium, 34 grams total carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 21 g protein, 6% vitamin A, 4% vitmamin C, 2% calcium, 10% iron

** NOTE:  If you are following a low FODMAPs diet this will never be 100% free of FODMAPs, but the FODMAPs can be reduced.  I only used half a jar of chunky salsa, and then used a full can of chopped tomatoes (drained half-way) in order to reduce the garlic and onion from the salsa.  The peas aren't low FODMAPs, but with only 1-cup in the entire 8-serving recipe they shouldn't cause too many problems (they can be ommited too, if need be).  Lastly, make sure you choose a broth that doesn't contain garlic or onion.  

QUESTION: I have to ask...do you like olives?!  I do.  In fact, I think they made this dish!  In my olives the loves shouldn't be optional.   When I was little and didn't care about sodium, I could easily eat about 10 in a sitting. Muahaha

Thanks for reading!

The Candid Rd

NOTE: I love comments!  But, be sure to come back to read any replies to questions or comments, as they do not go directly to your e-mail.

Grand Opening and a WINNER!

There are many rules about blogging when you work in the corporate world. Because of those rules, I wasn't allowed to post about the opening of the first Market District in Ohio until after it opened. Well, it's October 16th, and the newest Market District has now been open to the public since Thursday!

I can't show you pictures from the inside, but I will show you my dietitian sign;


This is displayed right over my head so that all customers know where to find me. And look, it's spelled correctly! Not that I would expect anything less from Market District. If you want to go on a virtual tour of the Market District in Pittsburgh, which is very similar to the one in Ohio, check out their website.


Here are some pictures from outside;


Most of these pictures were taken while construction was still underway.



Did I mention that I am now neighbors with Nick? Yep, he opened a new restaurant right next door!

Yes, the dietitian is dating the manager of Burgers, Dogs, and Fries. But don't fret. They also sell locally made veggie burgers, which are apparently amazing. Why don't I know firsthand? They contain onion and garlic, which as you all know causes me mad bloating and gas. I think I'll pass. They also sell turkey dogs and turkey burgers, and may even start selling whole wheat buns soon!


Nick and I both happen to work less than a mile from our home. We both plan on riding our bikes to work on most days, but as of now we only have one bike, so he's been riding it and I've been driving. I hope to buy him a bike of his own for Christmas.



On opening day the place was PACKED! I made about 700 of these....

I called it a pumpkin and yogurt parfait:

- 1 layer pumpkin (pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg)

- 1 layer Stonyfield Banilla yogurt (banana and vanilla!)

- Sprinkling of walnuts

- Squirt of whipped cream

At home you could make this parfait in a pretty parfait dish. This was a HUGE hit!!

I'm loving my job so far, and everyone with whom I work. Yes, it's a TON of work (even on my days off...) but overall it's a job I hope to have for a very long time. Please come visit soon!




And by the way....the winner of my giveaway is...... KIMMY J!!! Please e-mail me your address at GCsmiler19@yahoo.com.



Now I'm off to get ready for the big OSU game tonight against Wisconsin. Nick and I are planning on watching the game in the privacy of our own home, while sipping on some Oktoberfest beer :) Have a fatastic and healthy weekend everyone!