Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is like preparing a palette for a masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but it adds a lovely warmth)
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Feel free to substitute the spinach with kale or the lemon juice with white wine vinegar for a slightly different twist. Remember, cooking is as much about creativity as it is about following recipes.
Instructions
Cooking this dish is a breeze, reminiscent of those early mornings whisking eggs in my mum’s kitchen. Follow these steps to bring a bit of Devon’s charm into your home:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to your crock pot. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon over the top. Stir again to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the chopped spinach and lemon juice. This will add freshness and a burst of color to your dish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy the flavors of comfort.
The aroma will fill your home, much like those cinnamon-dusted apple crumbles from my childhood. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go — it’s the little tweaks that make a dish truly yours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International