When the weather outside is cold and damp, exactly like it’s been lately, nothing tastes better than something warm and filling from the kitchen. The gray winter months are the perfect time to make use of a slow cooker and chicken, particularly the rich, dark leg meat, which is the perfect ingredient.

Also called a crockpot, slow cookers are electric casserole-type appliances that cook foods with a low, steady and moist heat. Recipes can cook for six, eight or even twelve hours, making this preparation technique a popular one for busy, working families. If you put the chicken, some spices and other ingredients into a slow cooker before leaving for work in the morning, dinner – and a delicious aroma – will be waiting for you when you return home that evening.

Two of today’s recipes from the National Chicken Council and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, are new recipes designed to be prepared in a slow cooker.

Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken and Mushrooms starts with two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thigh meat cut into one-inch cubes. Brown the chicken quickly on top of the stove, along with garlic, sliced mushrooms, sliced red pepper and chopped onion. Place in the slow cooker and turn the heat level to low. Deglaze the pan with some sweet Marsala wine, and add to the slow cooker, along with a can of diced tomatoes, capers, currants, basil and parsley. Cook for six or seven hours until the chicken and vegetables are very soft and melded together, and the sauce has thickened. Serve over pasta or rice.

A more casual dish, perfect for winter buffet or a meal for kids, is Chicken Sloppy Joes. Start by cooking together on top of the stove chopped onion, red pepper, and a spice mixture of chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt and pepper. Add ground chicken to the same sauté pan, and cook to brown. Put all of the ingredients into the slow cooker, and add as flavoring ingredients ketchup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and a can of diced tomatoes. Cook together on low heat for about seven hours. About a half hour before serving, add a can of black beans and chopped cilantro. Serve the Chicken Sloppy Joes on soft rolls or buns.

Another good idea

Need another good idea in the face of these cold winter days? How about a stew, a method of cooking by which meat and vegetable combinations are barely covered with liquid? Stewing produces deep flavors because the foods simmer slowly in a tightly covered pot. Stewing tenderizes meat and allows the flavors of the individual ingredients to meld deliciously.

Also from the National Chicken Council are two chicken stew recipes to add to your winter meal list, during the holidays or anytime for casual family dining.

Spicy Chicken and Chickpea Stew combines rich chicken thigh meat with carrots, scallions, tomatoes and chickpeas. Chicken stock and orange juice provide the juices for the stew, with additional flavor layers provided by garlic, coriander and paprika.

To make this tasty, easy dish, start by slicing chicken thigh meat into bite-sized chunks. Brown the chicken on the stovetop, and then boil chicken stock and orange juice together in the same pan. Add the vegetables and cook until crisp-tender. Put the chicken back into the pan and let the stew simmer to meld the flavors. A dollop of herbed yogurt is cooling, tasty finish to this dish. Serve with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Contact Laurin Stamm at lstamm@vicksburgpost.com.