Cozy Chicken Stew

Another meal where I gathered up what I had in the kitchen and pantry and threw it in the pot! Crockpot that is and that's even better.. set it and forget it! Made with collagen rich bone broth, carrots and spinach plus protein packed lentils and chicken. A Mediterranean vibe which is getting alot of attention as an anti-inflammatory diet and improving acid reflux. Healthy and cozy in a bowl, perfect for these cold days!

Serves 6

3 medium organic chicken breasts

1/4 mild onion diced (optional)

2 garlic cloves minced (optional)

2 Tbs tomato paste (Bionaturae brand, no preservatives)

16 oz bag frozen spinach

3 large carrots sliced

3/4 cup lentils (I had red and green on hand)

2 1/2 cups chicken bone broth (Butcher's or Bonafide are good brands)

1-2 tsp pink or sea salt

Cracked black pepper to taste (optional)

Pound out chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer to make uniform and cut into 1 inch pieces.

Rinse lentils thoroughly.

Add chicken and all other ingredients to slow cooker and gently stir together. Set to low and cook for 6 hours. My chicken was cooked through around 3 1/2 hours so I removed from crockpot and continued to cook the stew a couple more hours. You can set to high and should cut the cook time in half if desired. The stew will be thick and carrots tender when finished cooking.

*Note* Omit garlic and onions if they trigger reflux, the cooking process can allow for better tolerability. The tomato paste is diluted, not contributing acidity but you could omit or substitute pure pumpkin puree.