I don't know why but when the weather turns cold and everything is brown and gray outside, I loose the desire to cook. I think it is probably due to the fact going to the grocery store is like a trip to the artic. Last Saturday when I went grocery shopping it was actually warmer outside than in the store. The poor cashiers and stockers were bundled up in coats and scarfs and gloves. Geesshhh. I don't know about you but I can't think when I'm cold. Hubbie and I made it thru half the store when he finally said, I'm freezing. So I knew it was cold if he was cold. I did manage to grab a package of skinless chicken breasts while in the store. Not wanting to brave the elements and the cold store again, I decided to try to find a recipe for chicken that I could make with what was in the pantry.
What a great idea that turned out to be. Liquid Smoke is a MUST!
(Recipe adapted from www.ourbestbites.com)
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 green or red bell peppers, julienned
1 large onion, sliced thin
Marinade
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Place meat in a zip-lock bag, place veggies in another. In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and whisk well. Reserve 3-4 Tablespoons of marinade for later use. With remaining marinade add a splash to the vegetables (enough for a light coating) and the remaining to the meat. Marinate for a couple hours.
Preheat skillet (Highly recommend a cast iron skillet and I added a little canola oil) Cook chicken for a few minutes on each side until cooked through and remove from pan. Cover with foil and keep warm. Add vegetables and cook until crisp tender. (You may need to add a little oil to keep from sticking). Add chicken to vegetables and continue to cook for a couple minutes. Add reserved marinade. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite fixings.
