SERVINGS: 5

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper (+ shake red pepper flakes)
• 1/2 lime
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot (large, or 1/2 onion, chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Start the Ranchero Sauce by sauteing 1 large shallot or 1/2 onion, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 jalapeno that’s been seeded and minced in 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive in a large, deep skillet (10-12″.) Season with salt and pepper then saute until the vegetables are tender, 5 minutes.

Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon (or more or less) cayenne pepper then saute for 1 more minute.

Add 4 cups chicken broth and 15oz crushed tomatoes then bring the liquid to a boil. Turn the heat down just slightly then boil until the mixture has reduced by half (about 3 cups,) which will take around 20 minutes. A splatter screen is really handy especially towards the end when the Ranchero Sauce get’s really thick. Most grocery stores sell them for a couple bucks these days but if you can’t find one just place a lid partially on top with the open part facing the back of the stove.

After reducing, the Ranchero Sauce will be thick and flavorful. YUM! Taste then add salt and pepper if necessary.

When you’re ready to make the Crock Pot Ranchero Chicken, to a 5-6 quart crock pot add 2lbs chicken breasts, 2 cups chicken broth, the juice from 1/2 lime, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, a couple good shakes of red chili pepper flakes, and a partridge in a pear tree. Just wanted to see if you were still reading. :) Add 2 cups Ranchero Sauce then place a lid on top and cook on low for 5 hours or until the chicken shreds very easily.

2020-01-20: Made the sauce for the first time. Really liked it. Didn't add any salt or black pepper.

2020-04-04: Made it again today. This time, since I didn't have two more cups of chicken broth, I used four cups of the sauce in the crockpot. So tasty. Next time I might let the sauce thicken a bit more or run it through the blender after removing the meat.