Tag: TEX MEX

SALSA VERDE CHICKEN CASSEROLE ~ BLOG 365.121

SALSA VERDE CHICKEN CASSEROLE
1 tablespoon butter
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Hatch chile seasoning
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup chunky salsa
3/4 cup salsa verde
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 small mini red pepper, diced
1 can Green Giant Mexican corn, drained well
8 corn tortillas
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS – avocado slices, sliced green onions, FRESH chopped cilantro, sour cream or guacamole

  • Melt butter in a medium skillet.
  • Season chicken breasts on both sides with the Hatch chile season and FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sear chicken on both sides 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
  • Shred chicken into small pieces.
  • Combine chunky salsa and salsa verde until well blended.
  • In a mixing bowl combine chicken pieces, corn, 3/4 cup salsa mix, green onions and pepper pieces with the sour cream.
  • Spread 1/4 cup of the salsa mixture on the bottom of an 8 inch greased baking dish.
  • Layer half the tortillas on top of salsa.
  • Spread half the chicken mixture over the tortillas followed by half the cheese.
  • Repeat layers ending with remaining salsa and a couple pepper rings for color.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
  • Serve with additional toppings.

NOTE: This recipe converts well to a dip or “loose” casserole that I often serve over tortilla chips. I find the leftovers keep better that way.

 

SALSA VERDE PASTEL AZTECA ~ BLOG 365.107

It’s no surprise that where we live shapes our families and the recipes we pass down – the very way we gather around the kitchen table. The culinary traditions of the places we call or have called home have a HUGE impact on our personal journeys.

I’m from Texas, but I didn’t grow up there. I have lived there a few times and LOVE the farm to market way of cooking. I miss when I’m not there and have a difficult time acquiring the necessary ingredients to re-create the family recipes that have been handed down over the years.

That said, life goes on and we do our best to make substitutions that work well enough to recreate those recipes. Think of Pastel Azteca as a Mexican style lasagna, where the sauce is a smooth salsa; corn tortillas are substituted for the pasta, chicken or pork instead of traditional beef for the protein, roasted green chiles for the tomatoes and both crumbly as well as melty cheeses instead of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mexican recipes are a lot like Italian recipes – layer after layer of flavor and slow cooking to get the right depth of those flavors.

PASTEL AZTECA Servings: 8 servings
SAUCE
1 1/2 pounds tomatillos, husked and rinsed
4 dried guajillo, colorado or ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 cups FRESH cilantro
1 white onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato puree
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1 sprig fresh epazote (optional)
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons avocado oil

  • Add the dried chiles to a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Cover the bowl to let them rehydrate. 

  • Heat a grill or cast iron pan over medium high heat.
  • Char the onion and garlic cloves until they are nicely blackened. Add to a blender.
Add the rehydrated chiles to the blender, along with all the rest of the sauce ingredients, except for the lard.
  • Puree extremely well.
Get the lard hot in a saucepan.
  • Add the sauce and bring to a boil,, stirring constantly to incorporate the fat.
  • Reduce the heat to a bare simmer and cook 10 minutes or so. Turn off the heat.

CASSEROLE & ASSEMBLY
18 6 inch corn tortillas
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound shredded chicken
6 poblanos, Hatch or Anaheim peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded and cut into strips
1 + 1/2 cup ELOTE corn kernels (see notes for recipe)
4 ounces cotija, crumbled
1 pound Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 cup Mexican crema, or sour cream (Darigold has a Mexican Sour Cream I like)


  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Butter a 9×13 casserole or baking dish.
  • Ladle a thin layer of the sauce into the bottom.
  • Layer the casserole with 6 tortillas.
  • Spread some meat evenly over the top.
  • Add the 1 cup of elote corn and strips of roasted peppers. 
Sprinkle a layer of cotija cheese, then crema, then shredded Chihuahua or Oaxaca cheese.
  • Top with another layer of tortillas, a bit more sauce, meat, pepper and cheese.
  • Finish with the remaining tortillas.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining cotija cheese, drizzle some more crema, and sprinkle the last of the grated cheese over the top.
  • Season with FRESH ground pepper and last of the corn.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese starts to brown.
  • Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

NOTES & TIME SAVERS

  • Keep in mind this is the full-on, Sunday supper version of pastel azteca, but here are some serious time-saving hacks for an equally tasty week night meal.
  • You can use canned green chiles. Or even frozen. In August I buy Hatch chiles (they are only available for about a month a year) and roast them and portion them for freezing so I have some all year round. If you don’t know how to roast green chiles, here’s a great tutorial.
  • I make elote corn and then cut it from the cob or better yet make esquites for this recipe. Elote and street corn are the same thing. The word elote means “corn cob”. It’s the seasonings that make all the difference. Esquites, also called elote en vaso means corn in a cup. These can be made ahead and frozen also. Recipes below.
  • Literally any cooked meat will work, just make sure to chop or shred it small. Use a rotisserie chicken or left over carnitas. A HUGE time saving hack is using tamales (without the husks) and rolling them in the golden blend tortillas to layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
  • You can use canned enchilada sauce, or even canned tomato sauce.
  • If you have trouble finding crema, thin regular sour cream with a little buttermilk, milk or cream to get you closer to the real thing. 

OPTIONAL TORTILLA STEP

  • Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a pan until it hits about 350°.
  • Fry the tortillas for about 30 seconds or so, JUST enough for them to stiffen up a bit, but not enough so they are stiff like tostadas. You want semi limp.
  • Cool tortillas on a cooling rack.

ELOTE aka MEXICAN STREET CORN
4 ears corn, husked (see notes)
2 tablespoons DUKE’s mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
½ cup Cotija cheese , freshly grated, or queso fresco (see notes)
chili powder , or tajin, to taste
1 lime, cut into wedges
FRESH chopped cilantro , for garnish, optional

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ears of corn and cook 10 minutes or until tender.
  • Brush corn with melted butter and grill corn on medium heat until slightly charred.
  • Mix the mayonnaise and Mexican crema together.
  • Spread a thin layer all over the corn ears. 
Sprinkle generously with cotija cheese and the desired amount of chili powder.
  • Serve garnished with cilantro, and with a lime wedge on the side for squeezing on top.
  • For this recipe cut the corn from the cob in the end.

NOTES:

  • White corn is traditionally used in Mexico, but yellow corn easily substitutes.
  • Cotija cheese is traditional, but Quesa Fresca will substitute in a pinch.
  • If using fresh husked corn, leave stem end attached as something to hold on to while eating. Otherwise stick a long wooden skewer into the end of the corn before grilling or coating, to make them easier to hold and eat.

ESQUITES

1 tablespoon salted butter , softened
1/3 cup diced onion
1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeded, diced (optional)
1/3 cup homemade chicken broth or water
3 cups (4 cobs), husked, cut from the cob
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste
5 tablespoons DUKE’s mayonnaise
5 tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
1/3 cup Cotija or queso fresco cheese, shredded
chili powder, Tajin or hot sauce, to taste
1 lime, cut into wedges

  • Add butter to large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Once melted, add onion and pepper, sautéing until tender.
  • Add broth or water and corn. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is tender (about 5-8 minutes).

  • Season with black pepper and a little salt then divide among 4 cups – for making Pastel Azteca I just make one big bowl.

  • In each cup, add 1 heaping teaspoon of mayonnaise and 1 heaping teaspoon of Mexican crema (or sour cream), stirring to combine.
  • 
Sprinkle generously with grated cheese and chili powder, to taste.
  • Serve with lime wedges to squeeze on top.


NOTES:

  • White corn is traditionally used in Mexico, but yellow corn can be substituted. You could also substitute 3 cups frozen corn.
  • Cotija cheese is traditional, but if you can’t find it, substitute Quesa Fresca will substitute in a pinch or FINELY grated Parmesan cheese.

SLOW COOKER TEX-MEX CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.10

This is super easy and packs a punch of traditional Mexican flavor and spices with the ease of a slow cooker that allows the chicken to absorb all the seasonings and make it tender and juicy that’s ready to serve whenever you are. It is not only easy, but versatile! Serve it in tacos, in burritos or over rice. Works well to feed a crowd also.

SLOW COOKER TEX-MEX CHICKEN

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon avocado oil
FRESH ground salt and pepper
1 LARGE onion halved and sliced
16 ounce jar PACE chunky mild salsa (or use medium for a spicier kick)
3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
4 ounce can mild diced green chilies
14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper (optional, for added heat)
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
Hot sauce, to taste
Warm tortillas, for serving
Chopped green onions, for serving
Shredded Mexican cheese, for serving
Sour cream, for serving

  • Rub the chicken breasts all over with the oil and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Scatter onions over chicken.
  • Mix together the brown sugar, seasoning, liquid smoke, salsa, green chiles and diced tomatoes. Pour over the chicken and onions.
  • Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 2-4 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
  • Shred chicken and return it to the slow cooker adding the **black beans at this time, letting it simmer on low for an additional 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Drain off any excess liquid if necessary before serving.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Serve with tortillas, green onions, shredded cheese and sour cream.

NOTE:

  • You can replace ALL of the seasonings with 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite Mexican blend seasoning or taco seasoning.
  • I often add the black beans into the salsa mixture and it’s just as tasty. 😀
  • You can also substitute 2 cans of ROTEL tomatoes for the green chiles and fire roasted tomatoes making it easier to choose your heat level.

CHICKEN TOSTADA CUPS ~ BLOG 365.2

CHICKEN TOSTADA CUPS
12 (6 inch) corn OR flour tortillas, warmed
Cooking spray
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken pieces
1 cup chunky salsa
16 ounce can refried beans
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeno, lime wedges, sliced ripe olives, sliced green onions, sliced radishes, and pico de gallo or additional salsa

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Press warm tortillas into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray, pleating sides as needed.
  • Spritz tortillas with additional cooking spray.
  • Bake 5-7 minutes until lightly browned, 5-7 minutes.
  • Toss chicken with salsa.
  • Layer each cup with beans, chicken mixture and cheese.
  • Bake 9-11 minutes until heated through.
  • Serve with toppings as desired.

CHICKEN ENCHILADA BAKE ~ BLOG 366.298

We love to buy the enchilada bake casserole at Costco for a crowd, but at $5.99 a pound it just isn’t feasible for just the 2 of us. It doesn’t freeze well in my opinion, so it is so much better to make it from scratch. It’s easy to make from scratch and just plain comforting.

CHICKEN ENCHILADA BAKE serves 8

SAUCE see notes
1 small yellow onion, diced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup homemade chicken stock
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced

  • Preheat your oven to 350°.
  • Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
  • Add diced onion and FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Saute 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the garlic, sautéing 30 seconds more.
Sprinkle the chili powder and cumin on the onion.
  • Whisk in the flour.
  • Slowly whisk in chicken stock followed by the tomato sauce.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.
  • Transfer the enchilada sauce to a blender and blend to make smooth if you’d like, but not absolutely necessary.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into the chicken mixture.


CASSEROLE
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
4.5 ounce can diced green chiles, drained
1/2 cup diced red and orange peppers
15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
15 ounce can small pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Green Giant Mexican corn, drained
12 corn tortillas, 6 inch
3 cups shredded Colby jack cheese, see notes

  • In a bowl mix together the shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, green chiles, black beans, pinto beans and corn.

  • Dip 6 tortillas in the remaining sauce to coat them and line the bottom of the casserole dish with them.
  • Divide the chicken mixture in half.
  • Add half of it to the top the tortillas in the pan.
  • Top with 1 cup of cheese.

  • Dip the remaining 6 tortillas in the enchilada sauce and top with the remaining chicken mixture.
  • Sprinkle with diced peppers.
  • Pour any remaining sauce over the casserole and top with 2 cups of shredded Colby jack cheese.

  • Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake 15 minutes more until cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.


NOTES:

  • You can replace this enchilada sauce recipe with two cups of store bought sauce.
  • Shred your own cheese whenever possible to avoid the preservatives added to store bought.

MEXICAN CHICKEN MANICOTTI ~ BLOG 366.282

MEXICAN MANICOTTI
4 manicotti shells
1 cup rotisserie chicken pieces
1/4 + 1/4 + 1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped parsley
1 mini red pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped small
1 LARGE clove garlic, minced
1/4-1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/3 + 1/3 cup shredded Mexican blend cheddar cheese

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Prepare manicotti shells just shy of al dente.
  • In a small bowl combine the chicken pieces, 1/4 cup salsa, ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup shredded cheese, green onion pieces, red pepper pieces, minced garlic and hot sauce.
  • Lightly spray baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Spread 1/4 cup salsa in baking dish.
  • Gently fill manicotti shells with chicken mixture.
  • Arrange shells in a single layer on top of salsa.
  • Top with remaining salsa.
  • Cover and bake 20 minutes.
  • Top with remaining cheese and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.

HATCH CHILE CHICKEN PINEAPPLE BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS ~ BLOG 366.278

It was August and you know what that means? HATCH CHILES!!!!! Enchiladas are a perfect vehicle for the many uses of Hatch chiles. This can easily be a vegetarian version if you skip the chicken 😀 Hatch chiles and pineapple work hand in hand to tantalize your taste buds.

HATCH CHILE CHICKEN PINEAPPLE BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS

1 tablespoon butter
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 MEDIUM onion, small chopped
1 SMALL red bell pepper, small chopped
1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits in juice, drained, reserve 1/3 cup juice (see note)
1 (15 oz) can BUSH’s seasoned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup chopped FRESH roasted green chiles
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese (Cheddar Jack combo)
1 1/2 cups Chile verde enchilada sauce
12 golden blend tortillas

  • Heat oven to 350°.
  • Spray 9 x 13 in. Baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet.
  • Add onion and pepper, cooking 4 – 5 minutes.
  • Stir in chicken pieces, pineapple, beans and green chilies. Cook and stirring regularly until heated through.
  • Add FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup cilantro and 1 cup cheese.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon enchilada sauce onto each tortilla.
  • Spoon 1/3-1/2 cup of meat mixture on top of the sauce.
  • Roll up tortillas tightly and place in baking dish.
  • Mix 1/3 cup pineapple juice and remaining enchilada sauce.
  • Pour over top of enchiladas.
  • Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
  • Spray foil with non-stick spray and cover enchiladas.
  • Bake 30 minutes.
  • Remove foil, add more cheese if desired and bake 5 minutes more until cheese is melted.

NOTE:

  • Use 1 1/2-2 cups FRESH pineapple if you have it!
  • You could substitute enchilada sauce if you prefer, but we really like the green 😀

SUPREME BEEF FLAUTAS ~ BLOG 366.219

Flautas are one of my favorite ways to eat Tex Mex. It’s like your favorite taco and a burrito had a baby. All rolled up and fried to give you a crispy shell outer shell even though they are baked and stuffed with all your favorites and then topped with FRESH pico de Gallo and lime cream.

BEEF FLAUTAS SUPREME Yields 6 flautas

1 LARGE shallot
3/4 pound QUALITY ground beef
1 teaspoon Pampered Chef Tex-Mex or southwest seasoning
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1/3 cup chicken broth

  • Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 425.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and brush with oil or coat with nonstick spray.
  • Wash and dry all produce.
  • Halve, peel, and thinly slice shallot and mince a few of the slices until you have 1-2 tablespoons.
  • Save the minced portion for the PICO DE GALLO.
  • Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add sliced shallots, cooking for 2 minutes.
  • Add ground beef and seasoning, cooking 4-6 minutes, breaking up meat into pieces, until beef is browned and shallot is softened.
  • Stir in tomato paste and chicken broth (½ cup for 4 servings).
  • Simmer 2-4 minutes more until mixture is thickened and beef is cooked through. Turn off heat.

6 Flour Tortillas
½ cup Mexican Cheese Blend

  • Drizzle tortillas with 1 tablespoon avocado oil (2 tablespoons for 4 servings).
  • Brush or rub to completely coat.
  • Place tortillas on a clean work surface.
  • Add a heaping ¼ cup filling to one side of each tortilla, then sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon Mexican cheese.
  • Roll tortillas up tightly, starting with filled sides, to create flautas.
  • Place seam sides down, snugly on prepared sheet.
  • Bake on middle rack until golden brown and crispy, 8-12 minutes.

PICO de GALLO
1 LARGE Roma Tomato
4 tablespoons sour cream
2 teaspoons avocado oil
1 LARGE lime, juiced (I serve with an additional lime wedge)
2 green onions, sliced

  • Finely dice tomato.
  • Zest and quarter lime.
  • In a small bowl, combine tomato, minced onion, half the lime zest, and half of the lime juice.
  • Season to taste with salt.

 

  • In a separate small bowl, combine sour cream, remaining lime zest, and the other half of the lime juice.
  • Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.
  • Season to taste with salt.
  • Divide flautas between plates.
  • Top with pico de gallo, sliced green onions, lime wedges and lime crema.
  • Serve.

 

GREEN CHILE BEEF CALDILLO ~ BLOG 366.194

I saw this recipe on facebook and it looked oh so good!!! I just had to try it and am extremely pleased by the results.

GREEN CHILE BEEF CALDILLO

This thick, spicy, and flavorful dish becomes the MOST satisfying soup or stew you’ve ever had.

3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 1/2 – 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste
1 LARGE onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound tomatillos, husked and chopped
3-4 green chiles (such as poblano or Anaheim), roasted, peeled, and chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
FRESH cilantro, chopped for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  • Add the beef to the pot in batches, browning on all sides.
  • Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
  • Add the onion to same pan, cooking 3-5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the chopped tomatillos, green chiles, and jalapeño (if using), cooking 5-7 minutes until the tomatillos start to break down.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot. SEE NOTE
  • Add the beef broth, ground cumin, and dried oregano, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Simmer, partially covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Ladle into bowls.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and warm tortillas on the side.

NOTE: At this point I usually use the slow cooker for 4-6 hours.

GREEN ARROZ con POLLO ~ BLOG 366.137

GREEN ARROZ con POLLO adapted from A Cozy Kitchen

The green part of this recipe is a spicy cilantro flavored Latin rice and chicken dish with a Peruvian influence from what I’ve been able to deduce. Top it with salsa criolla for that special flair of flavor.


1 LARGE shallot, halved and sliced thin
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 bunch of cilantro leaves
1/2 jalapeño pepper
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
3+ cups of chicken stock or water, divided
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 cup medium or long-grain white rice

  • Add the onion, garlic cloves, cilantro, jalapeño, cumin, paprika and about 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth to a blender. Pulse until COMPLETELY smooth. It will smell SUPER spicy, but that will mellow as it cooks. Set aside.
  • Season the chicken with a generous amount of FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Dredge chicken in the flour.
  • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large cast iron skillet – I like to use my enamel coated cast iron.
  • When oil is hot, add shallots and chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
  • Remove the chicken and transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  • Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in the cilantro mixture and an additional cup of chicken broth.
  • Layer chicken on top of rice mixture.
  • Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat to low. Simmer 45-50 minutes until rice is tender.

NOTE:

  • Check every 15-20 minutes and top off with about 1/4 cup of stock each time, as needed to keep rice moist and loose. We like excess sauce to spoon over the chicken.
  • Adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.

SALSA
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Juice from 2 LARGE limes
+/- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon minced cilantro
FRESH ground sea salt

  • Mix together the red onion, juice from 2 limes, jalapeño and minced cilantro in a mixing bowl.
  • Add a few pinches of salt and let marinate for about 15 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning to taste just before serving.

ASSEMBLY

  • Divide the rice amongst plates and top with a spoonful of salsa and chicken.
  • Ladle more sauce over chicken.
  • Garnish with cotija cheese.

TOMATILLO CHICKEN ~ BLOG 366.79

This is an EXTREMELY flavorful and yet SUPER simple recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or company!

CHICKEN TOMATILLO
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons WONDRA flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon Pampered Chef Chile Lime seasoning
1 teaspoon Pampered Chef TEX MEX seasoning
12 ounce can Salsa Verde
1/2 cup FINELY shredded Mexican shredded cheese
1 green onion, minced

  • Blend together the chile lime and TEX MEX seasoning.
  • Generously season each chicken breast with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper and then the seasoning mix.
  • Spread flour in a shallow bowl.
  • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour.
  • Heat butter in a large skillet until melted over medium heat.
  • Add chicken breasts, searing 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Pour salsa Verde over chicken breasts and simmer on low 5 minutes.
  • Plate chicken and ladle additional sauce over top.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and green onions.

CHICKEN TACO CASSEROLE ala Slow Cooker

CHICKEN TACO CASSEROLE
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons Wondra flour
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 cup WHOLE milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
1 cup sour cream
1 can original ROTEL tomatoes
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained WELL
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (see recipe below)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag FRITOS
1 small tomato, chopped
1 SMALL bunch green onions, sliced thin

  • Spray slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Melt the butter in heavy saucepan.
  • Blend in flour and salt. Cook until bubbly.
  • Remove from heat and gradually stir or whisk in liquid.
  • Return to heat and cook, constantly stirring until smooth and thickened.
  • Whisk together the white sauce and sour cream until smooth.
  • Add in taco seasoning, salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Stir in Rotel tomatoes, black beans and 1 cup of the cheese.
  • Spread mixture into slow cooker insert.
  • Top with chicken pieces in a single layer if possible.
  • Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours* until chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove chicken and shred with 2 forks.
  • Mix chicken back in.
  • Top with Fritos and remaining cheese.
  • Cover a few minutes JUST until cheese melts.
  • Top with chopped tomato and green onions.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTES:

  • Time varies based on chicken breast sizes.
  • I accidentally bought re-fried black beans this time actually liked it too.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
1 tablespoon of chili powder
2 teaspoons of onion powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of oregano
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tsp cornstarch
3/4 cup water

  • Mix all the dry ingredients together and use with your taco meat.
  • Pour the water in the pan and cook just like you would for tacos.
  • The amount above is the same amount that is in one packet of taco seasoning mix at the store.