Easy Chicken Taco Dinner

Fast and Easy Dinner: Chicken Tacos With Greens

February 21, 2011

Taco night is a regular thing in my house since they are an easy weeknight dinner. However, I've gotten bored eating the same filling, so I started exploring more authentic options on Rick Bayless's website. The first one to catch my eye was this quick chicken recipe with a variety of greens including chard, spinach, and arugula — all topped with Mexican sour cream and freshly roasted poblanos. The recipe only calls for two chicken breasts, but the onions, greens, and poblanos bulk up the filling. There was plenty for my party of four and a little left over. I topped the tacos with chopped scallions and a squeeze of lime juice; next time I'll add cilantro. Spice up your taco night with this scrumptious soft taco filling and use the leftovers for amazing quesadillas or enchiladas. Get the recipe and see how the quesadilla turned out by reading more.

The quesadilla was baked in the oven with a touch of pepper jack cheese and topped with avocado slices and served with lime wedges for another delicious dinner.

From Rick Bayless

Creamy Chicken and Greens With Roasted Poblano

Ingredients

2 fresh poblano chiles
3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil, plus a little more if needed
3 medium (about 1 1/4 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Salt
1 medium white onion, sliced 1/4-inch thick
3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
5 cups (lightly packed) coarsely chopped, stemmed greens (about 1-inch pieces are good)—you'll need about 6 ounces spinach, 4 1/2 ounces Swiss chard, 3 ounces arugula
1 cup chicken broth
A little fresh thyme, if you have it
1 cup Mexican crema, crème fraiche or heavy (whipping) cream
12 corn tortillas
2 limes, sliced into wedges

Directions

Roast the chiles. Roast the poblanos directly over an open flame or 4 inches below a broiler, turning regularly until blistered and blackened all over, about 5 minutes for a flame, about 10 minutes for the broiler. Cover with a kitchen towel and cool until handleable. Rub off the blackened skin, then pull out the stem and seed pod. Briefly rinse to remove any stray seeds or bits of skin. Slice 1/4-inch thick.
Brown the chicken. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Generously sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt on both sides and lay them into the pan in a single layer. When browned underneath, about 4 minutes, flip them over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook on the other side until browned and medium-rare (a little slit in the thickest part will reveal a rosy interior), 5 or 6 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
To the skillet (still over medium heat), add the onion. If there isn't enough oil to lightly coat the onion, add a little more. Cook, stirring regularly, until richly browned and sweet, 8 or 9 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 1/2-inch cubes. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook 1 minute, then add the greens, broth and thyme (if you have it). Raise the temperature to medium high. Cook until the liquid is nearly gone and the greens are almost tender, about 5 minutes. Add the cream and cook until it is noticeably thicker (it'll be a rich glaze) and the greens are fully tender, about 5 minutes more.
Taste and season the mixture in the skillet with salt, usually 1/4 teaspoon. Stir in the chicken, let heat through for a minute to two, scoop into a serving bowl, and enjoy without hesitation.
Serve with warm tortilla and lime wedges.

Serves 4-6 for dinner.