Lunch: Mexican Chopped Salad

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast

Health benefits of Mexican Chopped Salad

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons canola oil
7 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 small jalapeño—stemmed, seeded and minced
Kosher salt
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 red bell peppers
1 green bell pepper
6 corn tortillas, cut into 2-by-1/4-inch strips
1 cup tightly packed coarsely chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Freshly ground pepper
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 ripe Hass avocados, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 medium red onion, finely diced
1 small jicama (1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 large tomatillos, husked and cut into thin wedges

Instructions

In a large nonreactive baking dish, mix 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the canola oil with 3 tablespoons of the lime juice, the garlic, jalape—o and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the chicken, turn to coat and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Roast the red and green peppers under the broiler or directly over a gas flame, turning occasionally, until charred all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel the peppers, discard the stems and seeds, then dice.
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the oil until shimmering. Add the tortilla strips and fry over high heat, turning frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
In a blender, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of oil with the cilantro, sugar, vinegar and the remaining 1/4 cup of lime juice and puree until smooth. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
Heat a large cast-iron grill pan and lightly rub it with oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and scrape off any garlic and jalapeño bits. Grill the chicken over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a work surface and let stand for 10 minutes, then cut into 3/4-inch dice.
In a large bowl, combine the roasted peppers with the tomatoes, avocados, onion, jicama, tomatillos and chicken. Add the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the salad to a large platter, scatter the fried tortilla strips on top and serve.