Meals Matter

Garlicky Mexican Chicken with Ancho Peppers and Crispy Polenta

Contributed By: hipmamaof1
Weight Watchers

This traditional Mexican-inspired dish is deliciously different. We love the use of polenta in place of tortillas.

Ingredients

1 pound Uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast(s)

1/8 oz Cilantro, fresh, plus more for garnish (about 2 sprigs)

4 Large garlic clove(s), not peeled

2 Dried ancho pepper(s), stems removed and seeds shaken out

1/2 cup Canned tomato sauce

1/2 tsp Ground cumin

1/2 tsp Table salt

1/2 cup Uncooked cornmeal, to make polenta

2 Serving cooking spray (5 one-second sprays per serving)

6 Medium radishes, red, sliced

2 Medium scallion(s), sliced

Preparation

Place chicken in a single layer in a large nonstick skillet and cover with water. Add cilantro sprigs and 1 clove of garlic. Cook chicken breasts over medium heat until no longer pink in center, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and let cool; reserve liquid.

Shred cooled chicken and set aside. Pour reserved cooking liquid into a bowl and add ancho peppers. Cover and soak peppers about 10 minutes.

Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add remaining garlic cloves and roast in pan, turning frequently, until blackened in spots. Remove to a small bowl and when cool enough to handle, peel garlic.

Place peppers, garlic, tomato sauce and cumin in jar of a blender and blend on high until smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour mixture into a saucepan, add chicken and heat through.

To make polenta, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil; add salt. Slowly add cornmeal, stirring until smooth, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Coat a 9 x 9-inch pan with cooking spray and pour polenta into pan. Smooth with a spatula. Allow polenta to firm up, about 1 to 2 minutes. Cut into 4 slices and remove from pan. Place polenta slices in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray. Cook on both sides until crispy, about 2 to 4 minutes per side.

To serve, place one slice of polenta on a plate and top with 3/4 cup of chicken mixture. Garnish with cilantro, radishes and scallions.

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Recipe Details

Total Preparation Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Ingredients: Chicken & Turkey
Actual Cooking Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 4
Origin: Mexican & Spanish
Special Features: Quick to Prepare (under 30 minutes)
Kids Love It
Nutrition Content: High Fiber
Meal Type: Lunch

Nutrient Information

Calories: 290
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 38g
Calcium: 55mg
Sodium: 550mg
Fiber: 5g