Salsa Verde Chicken {Crock Pot}

After some friends were talking Crock Pot recipes yesterday I was inspired to dust off my slow cooker, that normally only sees the light of day in the cold winter months, and try my hand at some salsa Verde chicken. This is a very simple recipe with just 5 ingredients! I used Salsa Verde from Trader Joe's, which had great flavor without being too spicy or overly salty.  It turned out great and the whole fam loved it! Go ahead and throw this together in less than five minutes and let your slow cooker make dinner tonight. Enjoy!

Recipe: (serves 4-6)
Ingredients:
1 (12oz) jar of Trader "Jose's" Salsa Verde or your favorite Verde sauce
1 cup Low sodium chicken broth
3 large carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, frozen works too
2 cups long grain brown rice cooked per package instructions

Directions:
1. Place roughly chopped carrots in the bottom of the Crock.  You want to keep the carrot pieces big because they are going to cook for a long time.  I think it would also be tasty to throw in a small onion cut into wedges.  Also, to create a one pot wonder, try adding potatoes and forego the rice.
2. Place chicken breasts on top of vegetables, it's okay if they overlap slightly.  Pour chicken broth and salsa over chicken.  Cover and cook on high for 6 hours.
3. Partially shred the chicken with two forks, leaving some big chunks.  Ladle chicken and carrots over some hearty brown rice. ...click here for the recipe!

Fast Chicken Lettuce Wraps {Gluten Free}

My awesome hubby came up with this recipe that's perfect for a summer dinner! It's a faster version of my other lettuce wrap recipe but equally delicious. He added a bunch of fresh vegetables we had on hand and cut everything about the same size. Then just get some crunchy organic lettuce and stuff it with the tasty filling and enjoy!

Here's his Recipe: (serves 4+)
Ingredients:
4 medium carrots, chopped
2 grilled chicken breasts, cubed (lightly seasoned with salt and pepper)
1 medium zucchini, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger root
1 tsp sesame oil (toasted)
3 tbsp olive oil
2-3 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2-3 Tablespoons honey
salt to taste
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine work well).

Directions:
1. In a large saute pan over medium-high heat add olive oil and diced carrots. Saute for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and zucchini and saute for another 5 minutes. Add soy sauce and honey and chunked chicken and combine and let cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and mix in cilantro. Salt to taste. *I'm not exactly sure how much honey and soy sauce I put in so modify and taste as you go. ...click here for the recipe!