Cuban Chicken Dinner

Corey got to try out Rick's Boathouse recently for a work dinner and loved it.  He ordered the Cuban chicken dinner and immediately wanted me to try to recreate it.  This dinner is so delicious!  And while it seems like it has a lot of parts to it, they are all relatively easy.  The meal includes chicken marinated in mojo criollo, black bean chili, brown rice, corn & avocado salad, and pico de gallo.

 

Cuban Chicken Dinner

inspired by Rick's Boathouse

 

Mojo Criollo marinated Chicken idea from here

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
juice from 1 lime
splash orange juice
drizzle olive oil
oregano
cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper

 

Combine all ingredients and marinade for at least 30 minutes or a few hours if possible.  Discard marinade and grill chicken breasts.

 

Black Bean Chili idea from here

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

1/2 tablespoon chili powder

1 to 2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes in juice

3/4 cups water

1/2 can (6 oz.) tomato paste

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

 

Heat the oil in a sauce pan and saute the onions, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute, then add tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin and cook 2 minutes, stirring.  Add remaining ingredients and stir.  Simmer for 20 minutes or longer, tasting and seasoning if necessary.  This gets better the longer it sits! 

 

Brown Rice

Cooked according to package directions.

 

Pico de gallo

3 roma tomatoes (or about 1-2 cups cherry tomatoes)

1/2 jalapeno (optional)

juice from 1/2 lime

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup diced red onion

drizzle olive oil

salt & pepper

 

Combine all ingredients and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes if possible.  Measurements are rough estimate!

 

Avocado Corn Salsa

2 cups corn

3/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1 avocado, diced

drizzle olive oil

salt & pepper

juice from 1/2 lime

1/4 cup chopped cilantro 

 

Combine all ingredients except avocado and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes if possible.  Stir in avocado before serving.  Measurements are rough estimate!