Cilantro Lime Chicken with Spicy Avocado Cream
I fear this blog has turned into a resource good for only two things: chicken and dessert. Why oh why am I only posting about chicken and dessert (for the most part) these days??? Ugh. I feel like I have tunnel vision in the kitchen lately. I'll just blame it on my husband. The chicken is for him, and the dessert is a way for me to cope with all the chicken hogging the fridge real estate. Before I decided I like chicken, I used to think it was so boring and kind of scoffed at people for always searching for a way to make chicken 'exciting'. While I don't think it is exciting, I do now appreciate it for its versatility and ease of preparation. Take this little dish for example. I whirled up this fresh tasting marinade just after lunch today, and when it came time for dinner, it basically cooked itself. I think this might be one of my very favorite ways that I've had chicken this year (and boy have I had a lot of chicken). The avocado cream is just awesome and reminiscent of that delicious sauce I made for my fast fish tacos last year. The only way to improve on this chicken would be to grill it, but there were no complaints about it coming from the oven tonight.
Cilantro Lime Chicken with Spicy Avocado Cream
-adapted from ducksoven.blogspot.com
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or whatever you want to use)
- 1/2 cup packed cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1 large or 2 small jalapenos, seeded
- 2 T. soy sauce
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/4 t. pepper
- zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 T olive oil
Whirl everything together (except the chicken) in the food processor until smooth. Add chicken and marinade to a large Ziploc bag and throw in the fridge for 4-12 hours. Place chicken in two 9x13 pans (or on one foil-covered large baking sheet) and bake at 425 for 40-45 minutes, or until done. Top with spicy avocado cream and serve with brown rice and veggies.
Spicy Avocado Cream
Food process the following:
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/3 cup light sour cream
- 1 avocado, peeled and pitted of course
- 1 t. chili powder
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/4-1/2 t. cayenne pepper