Autumn's Red White Chicken Chili

Yep, you read that right!  I have a recipe to share with you.  It's a variation of White Chicken Chili, but by the time I got done experimenting, it was Red.  So, it's Red White Chicken Chili! 

Allow me to give a little back story to this.  :-)   As some of you might know I am a Zumba Instructor.  Zumba is hands-down-with-out-a-shadow-of-a-doubt one of THE BEST things that have ever happened to me.  It is my passion, my love affair; my niche, my energy.  It is part of who I am and I am so thankful for it's many many many, countless blessings.  Aside from blessing me with the ability to get an amazing workout AND share it with others while having a super fun time, Zumba has beyond blessed me with a network of Zumba sisters and brothers and has created a sisterhood for me that I have never had before; one that I can never find elsewhere; and one that can never ever ever be replaced.  My Zumba family is as close to me as my actual family and I love each and every one of you! 

A few weeks ago one of my Zumba sisters hosted a martini party at her home and each of us brought a dish to share with the group.  One of the ladies (my beloved Zumba instructor---love you Gena!) brought a dish called White Chicken Chili.  Y'all....she KILLED it!  It was so good....and loaded with protein.  I told Gena I wanted the recipe, but as the night went on and we were Zumba'ing and socializing our hearts out, I forgot about getting the recipe.  Luckily, toward the end of the night, I over heard Gena say "McCormick White Chicken Chili" to someone else.  That's it.  That was all I heard.  But, it was enough for me!  LOL...  I know McCormick quite well. 

So, needless to say, I was on a mission to re-create the chili.  The next time I went shopping I wondered over to the seasonings aisle and I found the packet of McCormick's White Chicken Chili seasoning mix.  As I was looking at the seasoning packet, I noticed some tips for making different variations of the chili....and thus, Autumn's Red White Chicken Chili was born....

The Ingredients: Disclaimer:  This was kind of a spur of the moment experiment so the ingredient pictures are separated and may not show all of the things that were included!

2lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
2 packets of McCormick's White Chicken Chili Seasoning
1 can chili ready chili beans (undrained)
1 can chili ready chili tomatoes (undrained)
1 can mild rotel style diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 can ranch style beans (undrained)
1large onion chopped

Directions:  (you could do this with your eyes closed!)

Pour the rotel tomatoes into the bottom of your crock pot.  Then, layer the chicken into the crock pot.  The add the onions, the beans, and the chili tomatoes.  Top with the McCormick Seasoning.  Stir all ingredients together.  Set on low and let 'er rip!  I put mine on around 9pm or so and when I woke up around 4am, it was done.  So, about 6-8 hours on low will do it~! 

Doesn't it look so good?!?!  It is protein packed goodness, might I add!!!

For an experiment, it turned out QUITE DELISH~~~!!!  I am telling you...this is one to keep in the recipe index!  It is super easy, super quick, and super good! 

There was so much of it, I ate on it for three days for lunch at work and dinner at home.  As I heated it in the microwave at work for lunch, my co-workers asked me what I was heating... they said it smelled really good!  So, I took the rest of it into work and gave each of them a bowl of it.  Every single one of them said they enjoyed it!!

So, here's to hoping you try it and that you and your family enjoy it as well~!

Till next time...

Lots of Love,

Autumn
PS--Update since my last blog, "Finally, IT clicked":  I am going strong, doing well, and feeling good!  It feels SO good to be back on track....to be normal again.  My body is thankful that I am treating it right again, finally!  I have been within my calorie goal every day and I have made it a point to get in more exercise than just the three Zumba classes I teach each week.  Because of those things combined....the pounds are coming off!  I keep myself motivated by constantly reminding myself that I want to fit back into my size 12 pants.  I have them hanging all around my house as a constant reminder and I have a picture of one pair on my phone.  So, every time I pick up my phone I see them.  The constant visual reminder is definitely helping!  I am SO motivated to get this extra weight off of my body and get back to where I was!!!  Once I get there, I will set new goals to continue in my weight loss and overall just taking care of myself and living a healthy life!!  :-)  A warm thank you to everyone who supports me in my journey be it through prayer, encouragement, guidance, tips, motivation, etc.