Moroccan Chicken Stew

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves minced garlic

½ tsp turmeric

¼ tsp cinnamon

Dash of ground cloves

2 bay leaves

2 cups chicken broth

2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1 large carrot, sliced

1 cup green peas

½ small butternut or acorn squash, peeled and diced

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

½ cup raisins

Salt to taste

In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until it is translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, chicken thighs, and tomatoes and bring the stew to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer the stew with the pot covered for 25 minutes.
Stir in the carrots and squash. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and using the edge of the spoon to break the chicken chunks into smaller pieces.
Add the green peas, chickpeas and raisins. Turn the heat back up to medium and continue simmering the covered stew until the vegetables are tender (10 or so minutes more). Add salt to taste. Ladle the stew into bowls around a mound of cooked jasmine rice or couscous. Serves 4 to 6.

* I made this in a pumpkin instead of using the squash and it turned out really good

Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Biscuits

Recipe from Skinnytaste

1/4 cup flour (use 2 tbsp cornstarch instead)
2 cups water
4 cups fat free milk
1 large celery stalk, chopped
1/2 medium chopped onion
8 oz sliced baby portabella mushrooms
2 chicken bouillons
fresh ground pepper
pinch of thyme
10 oz frozen classic mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn)
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed small
16 oz cooked chicken breast, diced small
salt

Directions:

Create a slurry by combining 1/2 cup of the cold water with flour in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended. Set aside.

Pour remaining water and milk into a large pot and slowly bring to a boil. Add celery, onion, mushrooms, chicken bullion, thyme, fresh pepper, frozen vegetables and return to a boil. Partially cover and simmer on low until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove lid, add potatoes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chicken, and slowly whisk in slurry, stirring well as you add. Cook another 2-3 minutes, until soup thickens, adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve.


Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

2 tbsp butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
2 cups Heart Smart Bisquick
3.5 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2/3 cup fat free milk

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Melt butter in a small frying pan, add half the garlic and saute on low heat about 1 minute. Remove from heat and add parsley.

In a large bowl, combine biscuit mix, cheddar cheese, and remaining garlic. Stir in milk and mix (do not over mix). Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls (1.5 oz each) onto prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes. Brush or drizzle biscuits with melted butter. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until lightly browned on the bottom.

Lemon Chicken Soup

1 Tb. olive oil
1 onion, minced
3-5 garlic cloves
1/2 chicken
3 bay leaves, broken
1 can chicken broth
2 cups chopped potatoes, zucchini, carrots, and celery
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
1 lemon
cilantro
Heat oil on medium high in a large pot. Add the onion, garlic, and chicken. Brown the chicken on both sides. Add the bay leaves and broth and as much water needed to cover chicken. Boil until the meat falls off the bone. Remove chicken and cool. Remove bones and skin then add meat back to the pot. Add the vegetables, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper. Cook until the veggies are tender. Remove bay leaves. Dish into bowls and top with freshly squeezed lemon juice and cilantro.

This is a recipe I got from my sister. She said the original recipe also calls for tomatoes, but she never puts them in (and neither did we), but you could if you wanted. Also, next time I will add a bit of lemon juice to the broth while it's cooking instead of just at the end. I also added more than just 2 cups of veggies....so add to your families liking.