Margarita Chicken

Right here right now, I'm going to proclaim that this is not only the best dish I've made from Cook This Not That  but it is the best dish I have EVER cooked!  When I took my first bite the flavors began to do the Cuban Shuffle all around my mouth, can you tell I've taken Zumba, lol?.  Mexican/Hispanic cuisine has been a long time favorite of mine but never have I tasted anything like this where the flavors just came alive.  Being that I'm a "spice snob" when it comes to recipes I tend to add a little something extra.  First, I seasoned the chicken with granulated garlic, sea salt, and a Latino spice blend of Adobo y Sazon and let it marinate in a little bit of lime juice and olive oil; this has got to be the reason the chicken ended up perfectly tender.  Oh, and did I mention how easy this dish is to prepare?  I can see myself cooking Margarita Chicken at least 3 times a month!  What are some of your favorite foods?

Margarita Chicken


Ingredients

• 1/2 can (14-16oz) Black Beans drained
• 1/4 tsp Cumin
• Juice of 1 Lime
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1/2 Tbsp Canola/Olive Oil
• 4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts (6oz each)
• 1 cup prepared salsa, preferably Salsa Verde
• 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• Chopped fresh Cilantro

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.  Combine the black beans and cumin in a saucepan and heat all the way through.  Squeeze in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.  Remove from heat, but warm before serving.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper and sear in the hot pan for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until a nice crust develops, then flip.  Cook for another 3-4 minutes, then spoon salsa over meat, top with the cheese, and place in the oven.  Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, no more than 5 minutes.  Divide the beans among 4 plates, top with chicken, and garnish with cilantro.

*Makes 4 servings

*330 cals, 12g fat (4.5 saturated), 480mg sodium

*Cost per serving: $2.49

Compare to: TGIFriday's Sizzling Chicken & Cheese, 1,200 cals, $11.49

"This is what Mexican food should taste like"-Rachel