Healthy Latin Food: Skinny Chicken Ropa Vieja

Skinny Chicken Ropa Vieja: Ropa vieja is a staple in Cuban cuisine and why not? It's freaking' delicious (or as we say in Chile, suuuper rica!). Although traditionally made with shredded skirt steak, chicken makes a wonderful andlight alternative. By making the peppers and onions the focus of the meal, and using the chicken almost as a condiment, you get a meal that's flavorful and spicy but easy on your skinny jeans.  

Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients:  

3 (22.5 oz) chicken breast halves

1 small onion, quartered

1 tomato, quartered

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 small green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup tomato sauce

reserved broth

1 tsp. cumin, or more to taste

garlic powder to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. Place chicken, onion, tomato, carrot, and 2 cloves of garlic into crock pot. Add water to cover, and set to high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender. If cooking on the stove, cook on medium-low, and simmer until the chicken is tender, 30 to 40 minutes.

2. Place the chicken into a bowl and shred it into strips using a fork; set aside. Reserve the liquid.

3. In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions, green peppers, and red peppers. Cook about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in chicken, tomato sauce, white wine, and about 3/4 cup of the reserved broth to create a nice sauce.

4. Season with cumin, garlic powder salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer on low for about 10 minutes more adding more broth and seasoning if needed.

Recipe and photo provided by Skinny Taste

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