Citrusy Chicken With Tequila And Rice Salad Recipes

WILD RICE CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Cook rice according to package directions. Drain and cool to room temperature. Add rest of ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and chill a couple hours before serving (overnight is fine).
• Tips: I have been using the Uncle Ben's 90 second microwave pouch for the rice part. I use the long grain and wild rice mix.
• I also think it tastes better with canned chicken.

TEQUILA-LIME CHICKEN WITH CILANTRO DRESSING

Steps:

• If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least an hour.
• In a small nonreactive container, combine 1/2 cup of the tequila with the vinegar and lime juice. Whisk in the Lemon Oil. When well emulsified, stir in the shallots, chopped cilantro, and 1 teaspoon of the minced garlic. Pour into a nonreactive, shallow container large enough to hold the prepared skewers. Set aside.
• Using a very sharp knife, slice the chicken into 30 strips about 1/4-inch thick and 2 inches long. Thread the strips onto the soaked skewers and place them into the marinade, leaving as much of the skewer exposed as possible as you do not want the wood to soak up the marinade. Cover and marinate for 8 hours.
• Place the cilantro leaves in a saucepan of rapidly boiling salted water for 10 seconds to blanch and set the color. Immediately pat dry and refresh under cold water. Drain very well and pat dry.
• Place the blanched cilantro in a blender with the remaining 1/4 cup of tequila and 1 teaspoon of garlic. Pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly add the canola oil, processing until the mixture is thick and bright green. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
• When ready to serve, remove the skewers from the marinade. Place a stovetop griddle, heavy-duty grill pan, or nonstick saute pan over high heat. When very hot but not smoking, add the skewers, a few at a time, and sear for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Serve immediately with the Cilantro Dressing on the side.
• Combine oil with the lemon shells and fresh thyme in a heavy saucepan. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Immediately lower the heat and barely simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Strain into a clean container. Cover and store in a cool spot for up to 6 months. Use the oil for sauteing, frying, and for vinaigrettes.

TEQUILA AND LIME GAME HENS (OR CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Split game hens in half.
• In bowl, combine lime juice, tequila, olive oil, Cointreau, garlic and jalapeno.
• Place split hens in oblong baking dish and pour tequila mixture over; turn hens to coat.
• Cover and marinate, turning once or twice, overnight in refrigerator.
• Remove from refrigerator and let set at room temperature about 1 hour before cooking.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Coat a shallow baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Remove hens from marinade and arrange, skin-side up, in baking pan.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bake at 400 degrees on upper rack of oven, basting occasionally with marinade, until skin is golden and juices from thighs, pierced at their thickest part, run pinkish-yellow, 30-40 minutes. (Or bbq using your favorite method, spit or on the grill).
• Boil remaining marinade and pour over hens just before serving. (Add more tequila if needed, to make enough sauce).

CITRUS-GARLIC ROASTED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Put the chicken in a large nonmetalic bowl. Put the orange and lime zests in a small bowl and add the fruit juices. Whisk in the olive oil, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss until well coated. Marinate for 20 to 30 minutes but no longer than 45 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Put a rack on a rimmed baking sheet. With tongs, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and arrange them on the rack leaving space between each piece. Drizzle a small spoonful of the marinade over the top of each chicken piece; season well with salt and pepper, to taste. Roast until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when meat is pierced with a knife, about 45 minutes.
• Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Cool slightly before serving or let stand until room temperature before refrigerating for later use.