Tex-Mex Chicken Starter

Name: Tex-Mex Chicken Starter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 cups.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup lemon juice; 1/2 cup canola oil; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 1-1/2 teaspoons each garlic powder, ground cumin, dried coriander and dried oregano; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional; 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips; 3 medium onions, halved and sliced into rings; 4 garlic cloves, minced

"I developed this seasoned chicken mixture to reduce meal preparation time," writes Nancy Pease of Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. "It's handy to keep in the freezer for a head start on three different meals. No one realizes they come from the same beginnings,"

Ingredients

1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons each garlic powder, ground cumin, dried coriander and dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
3 medium onions, halved and sliced into rings
4 garlic cloves, minced

Directions

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine lemon juice, oil and seasonings. Add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 1 hour.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, bring chicken and marinade to a boil in batches. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 6 minutes or until juices run clear. Remove chicken with tongs to a large bowl.
In the drippings, saute onions and garlic until onions are crisp-tender. Pour over chicken and mix well. Cool for 30 minutes.
Divide mixture among three freezer containers; cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 231 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.

Originally published as Tex-Mex Chicken Starter in Quick Cooking July/August 2001

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Terawel

Dec 10, 2016

"It's handy to keep in the freezer for a head start on three different meals."What are the 3 meals? Don't leave me wondering, please!
Cheri Beck

Aug 11, 2014

My family loves this over Fiesta rice - afraid it never makes it into freezer containers!
cray68

Jan 22, 2011

This is a delicious and easy preparation for chicken. If I don't have time to squeeze fresh lemons, I use 1 cup frozen lemonade concentrate instead of the 1/2 cup lemon juice.