Creamy Basil Chicken
Why I Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 medium red and/or yellow sweet peppers, cut into strips
1 large onion, sliced
4 oz. cooked bacon, chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca, crushed
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (2-1/2 to 3 lb.)
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
1 lb. asparagus spears
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh basil
2 cups hot cooked orzo pasta
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In 5- or 6-quart slow cooker stir together mushrooms, sweet peppers, onion, pancetta, and garlic. Sprinkle with tapioca. Place chicken on top of mixture in cooker. Pour broth and wine over all.
Cover; cook on high-heat setting 3 to 3-1/2 hours or low-heat setting 6 to 7 hours.
Meanwhile, snap off and discard woody bases from asparagus. Cut into 2 to 3-inch lengths. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in asparagus, cream, and the 1/2 cup fresh basil. Cover; cook 30 minutes more.
Reserve four chicken breast halves to prepare Chicken and Wild Rice Chowder; store as directed below.*
Serve remaining chicken, vegetables, and sauce with orzo. Sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings plus additional chicken for Chicken and Wild Rice Chowder.
* To store chicken breast halves, wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days.
