Chicken Tacos with Prune-Spiked Salsa
This twist on classic chicken tacos from the Nutrition Twins explodes with sweet and savory flavors! Chile powder and cumin add a savory warmth to the baked chicken breasts. In contrast, California prunes add sweetness to an easy, fresh salsa. The combination of spiced chicken, sweet prunes, fresh tomatoes and cilantro, and zing from lime juice all wrapped up in a tortilla creates a fiesta with every bite! The refried black beans also got a healthy upgrade. We cut back on the fat while bumping up the flavor with spices, fresh cilantro and lime juice for a flavorful side dish that’s low in fat and high in protein and fiber. This dinner is hearty and filling, yet light enough to feel good about serving any night of the week.
Why prunes are a great addition to these chicken tacos
Prunes aren’t just delicious, they’re nutritious, too! They are a healthy powerhouse and provide many essential vitamins and minerals that will level up the nutritional value of any recipe! Prunes are low glycemic and loaded with fiber, polyphenols, boron, potassium, and Vitamin K which collectively can contribute to gut health, reduced inflammation, cancer prevention, blood sugar control, bone health, and reduced cholesterol!
Chicken Tacos with California Prunes Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 Roasted poblano
- 3.5 ounces Black beans
- 1 Roma tomato
- 2 ounces California prunes
- 2 Shallots
- ¼ ounces Fresh cilantro
- 1 Lime
- 2 Chicken breasts 4oz
- 2 tsp Cumin spice blend equal parts cumin & chili powder
- 2 ounces Roasted corn
- 4 Corn tortillas
Instructions
STEP 1
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180C)
- Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Thinly slice the poblano and set aside.
- Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Cut the prunes into ¼-inch (6mm) pieces. Place the prunes in a small bowl.
STEP 2
- Cut the tomato and shallots into ¼-inch (6mm) pieces. Add HALF of tomato and shallots to the bowl with the prunes; reserve the remaining shallot for step 4 and tomatoes for step 5.
- Remove and discard the stems from cilantro, rough chop leaves and add only HALF to the bowl.
- Cut the lime in half. Squeeze HALF the lime into the small bowl. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper. Toss well and set aside. Set aside remaining lime for step 5.
STEP 3
- Pat dry chicken with paper towels. Add to a medium bowl. Add ONLY 1 teaspoon cumin spice blend, ½ teaspoon olive oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Toss well and place the chicken on the prepared sheet pan.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Heat a small nonstick sauté pan, over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray, add the poblano and roasted corn and season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes until warmed through. Set aside for plating
STEP 4
- Heat a medium nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the tortillas one at a time and heat for 1 minute on each side. Set aside and keep warm for plating.
- In the same pan over medium-high heat, spray lightly with olive oil in a spray bottle. When hot, add remaining shallot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until softened.
STEP 5
- Add the drained black beans and remaining cumin spice blend. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add 2 tablespoons of water and lightly mash beans with a fork. Cook until the water has been evaporated then add remaining chopped tomato. Add remaining cilantro, juice from the remaining lime, to the beans. Stir to combine, season to taste, and keep warm for serving.
STEP 6
- Cut the chicken into ¼-inch pieces (6mm).
- Place two tortillas each on two plates.
- Divide the chicken and poblano and corn mixture between the tortillas.
- Top with the prune salsa and serve the tacos with refried beans on the side.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Authentic Mexican Molé
Try this authentic molé recipe from Hola Jalapeño! Kate uses it to make her incredible Chicken Mole Poblano.
Fresh Orange Margarita
The flavors of fresh citrus pop with the deep sweetness of California Prune juice in this California Prune and Fresh Orange Margarita. It’s a well-balanced, refreshing take on a classic.
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