2 1/2 to 3 lbs. meaty chicken pieces, skinned
3 C. sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 C. chicken broth
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1/4 C. dry red wine (such as Merlot) or chicken broth
2 T. quick-cooking rice
2 T. snipped fresh basil or 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil, crushed
2 tsp. equal
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 C. hot cooked rice noodles

Rinse chicken; set aside. In a 3 1/2-4-or 5-quart crockery cooker place mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Add chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. In a bowl combine broth, tomato paste, wine or chicken broth, rice, dried basil (if using), equal, pepper. Pour over all. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. If using, stir in fresh basil. To serve, spoon chicken, mushroom mixture, and sauce over hot cooked rice noodles or rice.