Southwestern Spiced Chicken

Executive Chef Bernard Guillas of the Marine Room shares a series of healthier menu alternatives. Don't forget to also try Chef Bernard's Asian Shrimp and Chicken Fennel Sausage Lollipops.

Southwestern Spiced Organic Chicken and Chickpea and Hearts of Palm Salad

Southwestern Spiced Organic Chicken Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pasilla chili powder 
  • 1/2 teaspoon achiote (annatto) powder
  • 6 ounces skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, chili powder and annatto powder in food processor. Pulse to a coarse meal. Transfer to a flat plate. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Coat one side of chicken with nut-spice mixture. Transfer chicken, crust-side up, to an oiled baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, lightly drizzle crust with olive oil. Place in oven. Bake until done.

Chickpea and Hearts of Palm Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight, drained
  • 1 heart of palm, sliced thinly crosswise
  • 2 medium tangerines, peeled, diced (don’t lose the cutting board juice)
  • 1 medium clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 medium tomato, peeled, diced (don’t lose the cutting board juice)
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • 1 teaspoon chopped lemon verbena
  • Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Combine chickpeas and water in large pot. Bring to boil. Do not salt water. Reduce to simmer. Cover and cook 45 minutes or until chickpeas are tender; drain. Cool to room temperature. Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl (preferably wood, but any will do). Add cooled chickpeas. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly.

Presentation

  • 6 sprigs lemon verbena
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil

Divide chickpea and hearts of palm salad in center of six large, shallow bowls. Top with chicken. Garnish with lemon verbena sprig. Drizzle with avocado oil.

Serves 6.

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For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's nutrition services or to find a Sharp-affiliated physicians, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about nutrition, read the Nutrition News archive.