
Fiesta Day Recipe
Make Fiesta Day Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Chicken & Marinade
Salsa & Toppings
Rice & Beans
Extras & Assembly
Method
Chicken & Marinade
- 1
Make the marinade
In a medium bowl combine lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, minced chipotle, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- 2
Marinate the chicken
Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours (up to 6 hours).
- 3
Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of oil. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook 5-6 minutes per side (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) until nicely charred and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Salsa & Toppings
- 4
Prepare the salsa
In a bowl combine diced tomatoes, corn, diced red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime zest and juice from 1 lime, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir gently and taste-adjust seasoning. Cover and chill for at least 10 minutes to marry flavors.
- 5
Prep cheese and avocado
Crumble queso fresco (or feta) and slice the avocado just before assembly to prevent browning. Keep sour cream or crema chilled and hot sauce ready.
Rice & Beans
- 6
Cook the rice
Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 tsp minced garlic and 1/2 tsp cumin; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add rinsed rice and toast 1 minute, stirring. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, add 3/4 tsp salt, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes with lid on.
- 7
Extras & Assembly
- 8
- 9
Assemble Fiesta Day plates or tacos
For tacos: place warmed tortilla on plate, add a spoonful of rice and beans, top with sliced chicken, spoonful of tomato-corn salsa, a few avocado slices, a drizzle of sour cream or crema, sprinkle of queso fresco, and cilantro sprig. Serve with lime wedge and hot sauce on the side. For plates: arrange rice and beans, chicken strips, salsa, avocado and tortillas on the side for family-style serving.
- 10
Serve
Serve immediately while chicken and tortillas are warm. Leftovers keep well refrigerated in separate containers for up to 3 days (reheat chicken and rice thoroughly).