Cuban-Spiced Chicken
You can vary the spices in this quickie chicken to make it more or less pungent. The lime and oil help bring out the flavor of the spice-mix in addition to helping the spices adhere to the chicken. The chicken would also be excellent shredded and served over a salad or in a sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes if using breasts
- 1/2 lime juice only, 1 - 2 Tbsp.
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine all the dry spices (the paprika through salt).
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the lime juice and oil, then add the spice mixture and coat the chicken thoroughly. (At this point you can proceed with the recipe or refrigerate the chicken for up to 24 hours.)
- Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and bake it, uncovered, for 30 - 40 minutes until it is cooked through in the center of the largest piece. Serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
Slow Cooker Directions:
- Prepare and coat the chicken with the spice mixture as directed. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or on high for 3 - 4 hours. (Slow cooker cooking times may vary—Get to know your slow cooker and, if necessary, adjust cooking times accordingly.)
Notes
Do Ahead or Delegate: Combine the spices, juice the lime, spice the chicken and marinate it in the refrigerator, or fully prepare and refrigerate the dish.
Scramble Flavor Booster: Replace 1/4 tsp. of the paprika with cayenne pepper.
Tip: Because chicken is a staple for so many families, we may take its nutritional benefits for granted. Half of a chicken breast has more than three quarters of your intake of vitamin B3, which helps to boost good cholesterol. It also contains other B vitamins that help your body convert food into energy.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (% based upon daily values): Calories 204, Total Fat: 9g, 12.5%; Saturated Fat: 2g, 9%; Cholesterol: 126mg, 42%; Sodium: 324mg, 13.5%; Total Carbohydrate: 1g, 0%; Dietary Fiber: 1g, 1.5%; Sugar: 0g; Protein: 30g
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