Spice up your Chicken

Chili Lime Chicken


Do you feel like Chicken tonight? 
Its an easy go to protein but when the family asks whats for dinner tonight and you say Chicken, I bet they frown and probably say "Again?"
With such beautiful September weather this year, this dish is a great way to ease into the routine of school and work and still keep dinner easy and summer fresh. 
Surprise them tonight with this tangy, spicy and fun dinner and I think you will all fight over the leftovers! 
The secret is in the marinade...and if you have young children who are not a fan of spicy food, simply leaving out the spice in their marinade will still leave them with a tangy, flavourful and fun dinner.
I like to serve this dinner family style and let the kids build their own wrap...they just might need a little help wrapping up all the goodness!

This recipe is good for 4 chicken breasts (Approx 6 Full Size Wraps)

Marinade

1/2 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of turmeric
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons of salt
1 tsp of paper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
zest of 2 limes
Juice of 1 lime

Place all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined.  If you like it really spicy, feel free to add chili flakes to the marinade too. For the kids, simply leave the chili powder out of this step and set it aside.

Place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag (I find that the freezer bags are the best for holding up to the weight of the chicken).  Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it in to make sure all the goodness gets evenly distributed.  If you are a lover of spice and your kiddies not so much, this is where I would suggest getting another bag and divide the marinade accordingly.  Then once the chicken breasts are divided you can add the chili powder to your portions.   Just be sure to label the bags so you know which ones have the added chili flakes.

Let the chicken marinade in the fridge while your preparing the remainder of dinner.  I find the chicken gets kicked up a notch the longer you leave it in the fridge. Preparing this step in the morning, or night before is only going to enhance the flavour.  However, it will still taste delicious if left in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Red Pepper Topping 

This is another level to the chicken...
(Top your chicken with this salad before you wrap it up. It will add flavour and texture)

1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
1/3 cup of chopped Red Onion
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons of Oil (I prefer EVOO, however any oil of your choice is just fine)
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley 



Avocado Garlic Mayo 

Ok, this is seriously DIVINE! I have never been a "dipper" but this has converted me.  I put this on everything...sandwiches, chicken, fish...the list is endless! 
Drizzle over your chicken and Red Pepper Topping and dig in!

1/2 cup Mayonaise
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon Oil
1/2 an Avocado
1 clove of Garlic
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper

Put all the ingredients in a food processor (or magic bullet) and blend for a minute until all the ingredients are combined. Set aside.

Now its time to hit the grill!  Grill the marinated Chicken Breasts and get ready to eat!  Slice the chicken in thin strips  and let the fun begin! 

This recipe makes great leftovers for lunches the next day for yourself and the kiddies.  The Garlic and Avocado Mayo will sit well in the fridge for a few days and make a great go too spread for your next turkey sandwich!


Natalie