Chicken and Broccoli Slow-Cooked for #SundaySupper

Welcome to Slowly Bringing in the New Year with Sunday Supper slow-cooker style! I’m so excited to host this week. We have a tantalizing list of over 30 crock pot and slow-cooker meal ideas to share.
I must confess this is the first time I’ve cooked a whole chicken in a slow-cooker. Today’s slow-cookers are almost foolproof. I can set the time, temperature or use a probe. Still, honestly I was a little skeptical all would turn out well.
So I hedged my bet (against myself) and decided to make the fixings for chicken noodle soup at the same time.
So I started with the veggies(2 cups chopped celery, leaves included, 2 cups baby carrots, 1 cup chopped onions,) on the bottom and plopped the lemon-pepper seasoned chicken, breast side down on top. I cut a few small slits to insert garlic cloves.
I cooked the 4 1/2 pound chicken for 6 hours on low. The temptation to peek at it was terrible! But I learned it takes about 20 minutes to build the temperature back up each time you lift the lid. OUCH!

I was glad I waited. When you temp out a whole chicken, all parts should register a minimum of 165 degrees according to http://www.foodsafety.gov . Years ago I was taught 180 was safe for dark meat and 165 was reserved for white meat. As part of ServSafe update training I learned that all minimal meat safety temperatures changed because how meat is handled, processed and stored is much safer now than years ago.
I split the chicken between the casserole and soup.
Look how good those veggies look and it made a rich, flavorful stock. The next day I added a little extra broth and some noodles and I had a delicious soup!

But I promised you a chicken and broccoli casserole. This dish was made in the slow-cooker right after the chicken was finished and cooled enough to handle.

I used some of the rich stock and powdered milk instead of a canned “cream of” soup.

There is no denying 2014 is officially here! Some people embrace the New Year from the get go. Others like to just dip their toes in to test the waters first.
Why rush? We know 2014 will be around for a while.

Ease into 2014 with these great slow-cooker and crock pot ideas from the Sunday Supper Group!

Whet Your Appetite
Whiskey Bacon Onion Jam from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen.
Orange-Fig Jam from girlichef.
Simmering Soups, Stews and Side Dishes
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup from Peanut Butter and Peppers.
Low-Carb Chunky Beefy Vegetable Soup from Yours And Mine Are Ours.
Beef, Wine and Mushroom Soup from Noshing With The Nolands.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup from Foxes Love Lemons.
Beef Stew from The Foodie Army Wife.
Pot Roast and Portabello Stew from Kudos Kitchen By Renee.
Black Bean and Polenta Crock Pot Stew from Mama’s Blissful Bites.
Turkey Stew from Magnolia Days.
San Antonio Chunky Chicken Stew from The Weekend Gourmet.
Pumpkin, Chickpea & Lentil Stew from Take A Bite Out of Boca.
Slow Cooker Chickpeas from Shockingly Delicious.
Main Courses
Football Sunday Teriyaki Pulled Pork from Family Foodie.
Slow cooker Jalapeno Apricot Pork Chops from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos.
Vegan Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John from Killer Bunnies, Inc.
Slow Cooker Coffee Glazed Brisket from That Skinny Chick Can Bake.
Chipotle Honey Slow BBQ Ribs from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures.
Ribs with Apples and Sauerkraut from Cooking On The Ranch.
Slow Cooker Jerk Pork from Curious Cuisiniere.
Slow Cooker Beef Daube Provencal from Momma’s Meals.
Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore from The Dinner-Mom.
Chicken and Broccoli from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings.
Tacos de Lengua from The Texan New Yorker.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken & Black Beans for Tacos from Cupcakes & Kale Chips.
Chinese Chicken from The Ninja Baker.
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket French Dip Sandwiches from Neighborfood.

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.