Photo by Val Bourassa

It's time to put that slow-cooker to use again! This delicious Cajun chicken recipe from Pillsbury's Fast Slow-Cooker Cookbook takes minimal preparation time and then cooks all day while you're at work or going about your routine. Plus, you'll have great leftovers for lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
3 slices bacon, cut up
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 1/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/3 cups uncooked regular long-grain white rice
2 2/3 cups water

Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Add bell pepper, onion and celery; cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until crisp-tender. With slotted spoon, spoon bacon and vegetables into 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker.

Sprinkle chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning; place in same skillet. Cook chicken 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides. Arrange chicken and any remaining drippings over vegetables in slow cooker. Pour tomatoes over chicken. Stir in remaining teaspoon Cajun seasoning.

Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 9 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving time, cook rice in water as directed on package. Serve chicken and sauce over rice.

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-- Lauren Le Vine

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