Garden Harvest Chicken Stew

Henry hasn't been eating great meals lately. He's in that picky toddler stage that always frustrates me. Sometimes I will make 3 different meals and he will take one bite of each. I despise wasting food, but more than that I worry about him getting enough nutrition.

I made this on a crisp almost-fall day when the house felt chilly and the guys had been out all day, so I knew they'd be hungry when they got home. It was a big hit with all of us! It was hearty and satisfying but not too heavy on calories. What made me happy about it, though, was that Henry devoured it. I used garden fresh potatoes and carrots and it was a healthy meal for sure. Anything that he'll eat that much of in one sitting will be made often in my house!

Oh, and it was also one of those meals that Sam finished and said, "Great dinner Mom". Yes!

Garden Harvest Chicken Stew

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into small pieces

6 medium yukon gold potates, peeled and cubed

4 large carrots, peeled and sliced thin

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 c. fresh chives, chopped

3 c. warm water

3 packets Swanson concentrated flavor boost chicken broth

1-6 oz. can tomato paste

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 c. cold water

3 T. cornstarch

1. In a large slow cooker, combine all of the ingredients except for the cold water and cornstarch. Mix well and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or high for 4 hours).

2. When the vegetables are all soft, in a separate bowl mix together the cold water and cornstarch, stirring until smooth. Stir into the stew and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

I served this with some delicious and healthy biscuits-recipe coming later this week!

We also had this meal after going to the pumpkin patch/animal farm on a chilly day last weekend. It was so nice to come home to this comforting meal and fill our bellies. I used some of our last garden harvest. I will miss the fresh veggies and herbs all winter long!