Favorite Warming Winter Recipes

Flooding rain storms followed by icy snow storms then bone-chilling cold accompanied by aggravating wind, calls for some home cooking. I have a few favorite cold weather recipes that make staying in for meals extra cozy. Most of these can be assembled in a few minutes as well making it an easy way to nourish yourself during the harsh winter weather. I realize the base protein in these recipes are all a form of chicken - which is in heavy rotation in my house because of the versatility - but you can get creative and substitute different types of proteins if you prefer.  Here are my favorites:

Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• Whole Chicken (discard gizzards)
• 1-2 whole onions peeled
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 3-4 Whole peeled carrots (or mini carrots)
• 3-4 Whole celery stalks
• Salt and Pepper

Throw all of the above into a big pot and fill with water (I usually fill to about ⅔).  Bring to a boil and then turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 hours. When done, strain out the broth, remove the bones and skin and return shredded chicken back to the pot. If preferred, dice the celery and carrots and return to the pot, or you can discard. You can add rice or pasta to make the soup more hearty.  This makes a huge pot and can be stored in containers and frozen if desired. 

Assembly Time: 3-5 minutes

Cook Time: 3-4 hours simmering on the stove

Servings:  Many!

30 Minute Coconut Milk Braised Chicken and Sweet Potatoes 

One of my favorite recipes from Half Baked Harvest - it’s the only one on this list that I wouldn’t characterize as easy.  There is a lot of chopping and measuring and can be fussy and takes at least 30 minutes if not a few minutes more. BUT it is one of my go-tos for a warming winter meal packed with anti-inflammatory spices and I usually double the recipe so that I can freeze it in portions making the time investment worth it for me. See the recipe for the list of ingredients and directions. This recipe also contains several ingredients that I like to always have on hand in my pantry - see this post for my list of pantry staples.  Specifically, I always have canned coconut milk, a variety of spices, tomato paste, shallots, sweet potatoes and garlic.  Also, I always keep a pack or two of chicken breasts and thighs in the freezer so I am ready to go when I decide to meal prep.

Assembly Time: 30-40 minutes

Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

Servings: 1x the recipe about 4; 2x the recipe about 8

White Chicken Chili  

Ingredients: 

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (I prefer chicken thighs for this recipe because of how easily they shred giving the chili a great texture, but does work well with chicken breasts)
• 1 can of cannellini beans, drained
• 1 jar/can of green enchilada sauce or green salsa - I love the Siete brand green enchilada sauce
• Spices: cumin, red chili powder, Tajin, salt and pepper

Throw all of the above ingredients into an Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes or in a pot (covered) on the stove top on medium for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.  When complete, shred the chicken with a fork.  Literally, that’s it. 

Assembly time:  3-5 minutes

Cook Time:  10 minutes in the Instapot or about 30 minutes on the stovetop

Servings: About 8

Savory Chicken Meatballs 

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean ground chicken (can also substitute for ground turkey, beef or pork)
• 2 eggs
• ¾ c. of almond flour
• 2 minced garlic gloves
• A few splashes of soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Grated fresh ginger to taste (optional)
• Handful of sliced scallions/green onions (optional)
• Salt and pepper (and any other spices you’d like)
• Mix all of the above in a bowl.  Form into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter or so and place on a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes

Assembly time:  3-5 minutes

Cook Time:  20 minutes 

Servings: About 8

I hope you enjoy these (mostly) easy and quick warming winter recipes. Please let me know if you try any of them and feel free to reach out to me any time if you have any questions!