V is for Vaquero

This flavorful, juicy, and moist chicken is named after the Hispanic Cowboys who would serve it up over the campfires when out on the range.  

BBQ Chicken Ranch Salad #SundayFunday

My husband loves the BBQ Chicken Ranch Salad served at Cooper's Hawk Restaurant.  While this is not their recipe it is very similar and he was very pleased when I served it for dinner.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are enjoying Salad this week......

Southwest Pizza and the Weekly Menu

I am still having fun with my new outdoor pizza oven.  My latest pizza was inspired by leftovers that I had in my refrigerator from these Southwest Chicken Foil Packets.

This pizza is perfect for a Meatless Monday Meal.  A base of tomato sauce flavored with taco seasoning mix, corn, black beans, fresh tomatoes, and onions topped with shredded Mexican blend cheese.

Southwest Chicken Foil Packs #SundayFunday

This delicious dinner is cooked in a foil packet on the grill for a complete, no-fuss meal that can cook while you lounge in the pool.

Brown Rice and Quinoa mixed with peppers, black beans, and corn, topped with a chicken breast smothered in salsa with a touch of cheese sprinkled on top.

Enchanted BBQ Venison Casserole and a Book Review #LitHappens

A warm and comforting casserole with southwestern flavors and a corn bread topping.  This recipe was inspired by the fun, magical novel Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, our Lit Happens selection for November.

Sweet Potato and Beet Hash #MoviesandMunchies

Colorful and nutritious this dish is a delight for the stomach and the eyes.  I was inspired to create this dish after watching the film "Off the Menu".

Sweet potato, beet, poblano pepper hash is served up beautifully golden and crisp.  This would make a perfect side dish to any meal however I served it topped with a perfectly fried egg on Ash Wednesday when we abstain from meat.

Beef and Sweet Potato Stew #MultiCookerMonday

I love making stew in my slow cooker.  It guarantees you moist, fork tender meat each and every time.  In this version Beef and Sweet Potatoes are joined with Poblano Chiles and Southwestern spices for a flavorful, comforting dinner with barely any hands on time.

Welcome to the final edition of Multi Cooker Monday........

Chicken Chili with Sweet Potatoes #SoupSaturdaySwappers

This southwestern style chili made with chicken and sweet potatoes is a perfect one pot meal.  Crumble up some tortilla chips to add instead of crackers. Serve it up with some cornbread or tortillas. Pour yourself a Margarita or Cervesa and ENJOY!!

Join the gang over at Soup Saturday Swappers as we celebrate National Potato Month.....

Turkey Tamale Skillet #SundayFunday

This quick and easy skillet dinner using leftover Thanksgiving Turkey is chock full of the flavors of the Southwest.  Nobody will realize they are eating leftovers.

We are Transforming Holiday Leftovers today with the Sunday Funday Crew........

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili #ChiliCookOff

This chicken chili chock full of southwestern flavors is easy as can be.  Just place everything into your slow cooker and walk away.  When you are ready for dinner it takes only a moment to cut up the chicken and add the creamy cheesy surprise that makes this dish so amazing.

The Festive Foodies are having a Chili Cook Off today.......

Black Bean and Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole #BakingBloggers

Black beans and roasted butternut squash combined with other fresh vegetables and layered between corn tortillas topped with sour cream and enchilada sauce.  This is a wonderful addition to your Mexican Monday or Taco Tuesday rotation.

The Baking Bloggers are celebrating Pumpin or Butternut Squash today.......

Instant Pot Pork and Pumpkin Chili #PumpkinWeek

 This spicy, delicious chili is a perfect fall meal.  The pork is fork tender and the flavors are warm and comforting.

Welcome to Day 4 of Pumpkin Week........

Southwest Meatloaf and a Book Review

This meatloaf is made with crushed tortilla chips and salsa instead of breadcrumbs and ketchup giving it an amazing southwest flavor.

I was inspired to make this meatloaf after reading Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli for our Lit Happens Book Club.

Southwest Slow Cooker Pasta and a #Giveaway

I received Sponsor Gifts to use in the creation of recipes for #NationalSlowCookerMonth.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions and writings are strictly my own.

This delicious and easy meal takes only minutes to put together with ingredients you probably have on hand.  When you get home, dinner will be on the table in the time it takes to boil pasta.

Today is Day 3 of #NationalSlowCookerWeek........

Southwestern Turkey Soup #SoupSaturdaySwappers

Turn that leftover turkey into a completely different meal by combining it with the flavors of the Southwest.

We are starting with Leftovers today at Soup Saturday Swappers.......

Southwestern Chicken Barley Soup for #CrazyIngredientChallenge

Today, for Crazy Ingredient Challenge we were assigned to make a new and original recipe using Barley and Salsa.  I was happy when the ingredients were chosen, knowing that I would be able to make a wonderful dish using these ingredients.

I still had some jars of salsa that I had canned in my cupboard so I pulled that out to use in this dish. Since January is National Soup Month, I decided to stay with that theme and make a Southwestern Chicken Barley Soup.  This was a very easy dish since I used the slow cooker to do all the work for me.

It turned out amazing.  The soup was hearty and filling.  I paired it with Cheese Quesadillas on a take of a Southwest soup and sandwich theme.  The salsa seasoned the soup perfectly and only required a small amount of chili powder.  Of course, Frank is spice sensitive so I go easy on the heat.  Feel free to add the amount that will give you your desired amount of heat.

Southwestern Chicken Barley Soup

a Day in the Life original

1 lg or 2 small, boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces

1/2 c. pearl barley

1/4 c. diced onion

1 1/4 c. salsa

1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (32 oz.) box chicken stock

1 1/2 t. chili powder, or more to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Place the chicken, barley, onion, salsa, corn, black beans, chicken stock and chili powder in the crock of a slow cooker.  Stir to combine and cook on high for 4-6 hrs.  Stir, taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Print Recipe

Let's see what the others made with Barley and Salsa

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