Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken

Life is good when you know what you are doing in the kitchen! Sometimes you just start making stuff up with whatever you have in your pantry and reserves,  because there is simply no time for the grocery store or going out.  That's exactly what happened the Monday after getting back from St Petersburg, Florida...we had chicken breasts, one jalapeño, some pineapple juice, lime juice, my fresh herbs, and of course, the usual spices: garlic and Tajin.  This just sort of made sense...and man, was it delish...totally hit the spot!


Before kids headed off to college, it was not uncommon that we'd get back from a late night flight and everyone would be starving after bad airplane food and long hours. Thinking on your feet and throwing something together for two teenage boys became a nightly challenge, but in that process of being creative you find great combinations of flavor--this recipe is one of those 'throw-together-recipes'--perfect for the grad student, college kid with an unpredictable schedule!

Try this the next time you have little time to prepare.
Add white, brown rice, roasted potatoes, a salad, carrots, a roll, make a sandwich--and don't look back!

Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken

Equipment:
Non-stick skillet with or without grill grates
(or use an actual grill if it's not 11:00 pm like the other night)
Pie Plate or Pyrex Dish for marinating
(if you have extra few hours, throw everything in this for a few hours)



Ingredients:
5 chicken breasts, skinless (5-6 oz prepackaged are ideal for this recipe)


olive oil
1-2 tsp of Tajin
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup pineapple juice (or try orange juice, but the pineapple rocks)
Fresh herbs--oregano, basil, thyme
Salt & Pepper
1 jalapeño, seeds and all for the heat


Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Wash the surface of anything your chicken comes into contact with.
3. Prep your marinating dish with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.


4. Add Tajin, jalapeño slices, lime juice, and pineapple juice.





5. Add chicken.


6. Drizzle olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, salt & pepper, Tajin over chicken AGAIN.

7. Add your fresh (or dried) herbs


8. If time is not an issue, let these marinate for 1-2 hours if possible.
9. Pat chicken breasts dry.
10. Heat your skillet with 1-2 Tbls olive oil on MED-HIGH.


11. Sear the chicken breasts 4-5 minutes each until golden brown.



12. Add your sides, sit back and enjoy having one more option for your chicken!

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