Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

2 lbs. chicken breasts or tenderloins, I used 10-12 tenderloins

freeze dried red onion (equivalent of 1 onion)

3 cloves garlic, minced

2, 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic, undrained

1 medium green pepper, chopped

8 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained

2 t. Italian seasoning

Natures seasoning blend, to taste

cooked rice or pasta to serve over

fresh parsley, chopped, optional

fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

Place liner in crockpot. Place everything except last 3 ingredients in crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve over cooked rice or pasta. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve with Caesar salad.

*Chicken may be shredded or chopped, once it is done, and returned back to crockpot to serve.

**For a richer, thicker sauce: Uncover the crockpot and set it to cook on HIGH for 1 hour to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavor to develop fully. Before serving, stir in 1 t. balsamic vinegar. Taste, and season, with additional seasonings if needed.