Red , White and Brew Slow Cooked Chicken

Prep : 25 minutes    Cook : 6-1/4 hours    Makes 6 servings

1                can (14-1/2 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes , undrained
1                medium onion , chopped
1                jalapeno pepper , seeded and chopped
3                tablespoons brown sugar
1                tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1                tablespoon ground mustard
1                teaspoon  dried basil
1/4             teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1                cup beer  or non-alcholic beer
1                broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds) cut up and skin removed
1                envelope (1-1/4 ounces) chili seasoning
                  hot cooked pasta

1 .       Place the first 8 ingredients  in a food processor ; cover  and process until puree . Stir in beer ; set aside .
2 .       Rub chicken pieces  with chili seasonings . Place in 5-quart slow cooker . Pour tomato mixture  over chicken . Cover and cook on low  for 6 to 7 hours  or until chicken is tender .Cook pasta as directed on package .
3 .        Remove chicken to a serving platter  and keep warm , if desired , thickened pan juices . Serve with chicken and pasta .

Thrifty whole chicken is cut up  and simmered  in a spicy tomato  sauce . I serve  it with crusty bread so we can mop up and enjoy  every last drop of the sauce .