Braised Chicken With Broccoli

It’s hard to beat this one pot meal for taste, simplicity, and nutrition. Best in cold weather, but good for warmer weather meals too.

One whole chicken cut into 8 pieces
2 ribs of celery cut in 1 inch length
4 carrots peeled and cut in 1 inch length
1 medium onion diced
2 cups red potatoes cut in 1 inch cubes, peeling optional
1 T better than bullion chicken base, or 1 chicken bullion cube
1 teaspoon spike seasoning blend
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups water
2 cups broccoli crowns cut in bit sized pieces

In a 5-6 quart covered pot add enough water to cover bottom 1/4 inch. Cook onions and celery in water on medium heat for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add chicken, chicken base,spike,remaining water and thyme and cook for 20 minutes covered stirring once. Add potatoes, and carrots and cook 15 minutes covered. Skim fat from top before adding broccoli crowns and cook for 5 minutes covered. Serve in individual stew bowls with your favorite bread. Serves 4-6.
Notes:
Remove skin from chicken for a lower fat meal.
Can substitute Spike with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic plus 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
Green beans can be substituted for broccoli