SPICY CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Another recipe for all you chicken lovers! I will admit I have never made this recipe. If you follow this blog, you know I never eat chicken. I do make it often for my family but have never made this particular recipe.

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs
2 tbsp canola oil
1 tsp whole cumin seeds
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
1 medium-size onion, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp finely chopped ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1-1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
1/2 tsp garam masala (found in major supermarkets, natural food stores, etc)
1 1/2 cups uncooked brown basmati rice
2 cups water
fresh cilantro for garnish, if desired

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces; set aside.

Heat the canola oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon, and bay leaves.  Cook, stirring, for a few seconds until cumin seeds are a golden brown.

Add the onions, garlic, and ginger to the skillet and cook until the onions are transparent and tender.

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until chicken turns white, about 4 minutes; stir occasionally.  Add the turmeric and stir to mix in well. 

Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker/crockpot.

Using a fork, whip the yogurt and pour over the chicken mixture.  Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the salt overall and add the garam masala.

Add the rice to the cooker in an even layer over the chicken mixture.  Sprinkle with remaining salt, if desired.  Pour the water over the rice.

Cook on high setting for 4 hours.

Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves and the cinnamon stick.

Serve warm, garnished with the cilantro if desired.

Yield: 8 servings

This is the file photo that came with the recipe.