Every now and then you just get lucky. Sunday was one of those days. I got an e-mail from AllRecipes.com, who usually supply some terrific cooking ideas. Sunday's e-mail was one of those terrific ideas: Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken. I know it's just chicken, and when you see the recipe,you'll see that it's ridiculously simple and mistake-proof, but seriously, this was an elegantly simple dish with a real depth of flavor. And my eclectically-fed (and increaslngly fussy) kids loved it. Case closed. This goes in the recipe rotation as Casa Lawrenceville. Keeper. Sure shot. Slam dunk. Add your own catch phrase.
I played with the recipe slightly, substituting fresh garlic for the garlic powder listed in the original recipe (see above AllRecipes.com link), and omitting the onion powder. I also used a Trader Joe's spice blend called "21 Seasoning Salute", which includes dehydrated onion and a bunch of dried herbs and spices, instead of the dried herbs specified. Gave the chicken a really bright fresh flavor and kitchen-filling aroma.
So try this utterly simple recipe, make a big pot of Jasmine rice (I like Trader Joe's brand, very clean and sweet), and steam or stir fry some whole green and yellow beans with some diced red pepper. I paired this dish with the new Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye ale, and the beer went beautifully with it. I would pour an Italian Pinot Grigio or Spanish Albarino with this as well.
Dinner in under 30 min. Thank me later: post your results!
SPICY GARLIC LIME CHICKEN
Adapted from AllRecipes.com
Makes 4 servings
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
3 tsp Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute
(or Mrs Dash's if easier to obtain)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 Tbls finely chopped garlic
Juice from one lime
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, and seasoning blend. Sprinkle spice mixture generously on both sides of chicken breasts. Rub spice mixture to completely coat breasts on both sides.
Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with chopped garlic and lime juice. Cook, covered, for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently to baste breasts with sauce. Serve chicken on a small platter, spoon sauce on top.
