| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 14g | 4.2g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 10g | 24g | 0.85g |
There are certain recipes that strike a chord with you the moment you taste them, and that was the case for me with our wonderfully vibrant Spicy Big Jim Pepper and Chicken Tacos. Originating from my beloved home state of Louisiana, this recipe perfectly marries the rich, spicy flavors of Southern cooking with the rustic simplicity of French culinary tradition that I hold dear to my heart.
A Sprinkling of Cajun Heat
The shining star of this recipe is of course Big Jim pepper – an ingredient that evokes my Creole heritage and infuses this dish with an exciting pinch of Cajun heat. In Spanish cuisine, you might find something similar in the fiery embraces of the Padrón pepper, while lovers of Thai cuisine could look to the famous Bird’s Eye Chili for comparable heat. The Spice Journal in their article about pepper varieties from around the world, solidifies their place as versatile ingredients in a myriad of global recipes.
Boundless Health Benefits
As well as being tantalizingly tasty, the Spicy Big Jim Pepper and Chicken Tacos offer an array of health benefits. The Big Jim peppers are bursting with vitamin C, boosting our immune system, while the chicken provides protein keeping us fuller for longer. Healthline suggests a balance of protein, fibre and vitamin C, as a crucial part of a well-rounded and healthy diet. Not forgetting the beneficial monounsaturated fats from the inclusion of avocados, an ingredient celebrated for its heart-healthy properties.
One could dare to say that these tacos are a well-rounded nutritional haven, ready to keep you fortified and energized for the challenges of the day ahead.
Pairing Possibilities
When it comes to serving options, the world is truly your oyster. A beautifully fresh coleslaw, or perhaps a zesty quinoa salad could make excellent companions. You might fancy a homage to my French ancestry with a simple, yet elegant Ratatouille. After all, the crucial aspect of cooking is to make it your own, to imprint your own taste and character upon the dishes you create.
So next time you’re in the mood for something a little different, why not give our Spicy Big Jim Pepper and Chicken Tacos a try? I’d love to hear how you mixed it up and made this special recipe your own.
What You’ll Need
- 6 Big Jim peppers
- 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, squeezed for juice
- 12 small tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
Method
Step One
Take some time to prep your ingredients: deseed your Big Jim peppers, cut the chicken breasts into thin slices, mince the garlic cloves, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop your red onion, and chop your fresh cilantro. Remember to wash your hands after handling the peppers!
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and season it with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step Three
Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until the spices are well-distributed and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Four
Add the Big Jim peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step Five
Stir in cilantro and the juice of two limes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Step Six
Warm up your small tortillas in a skillet or in the oven. Assemble the tacos by placing a generous portion of the chicken and pepper mixture on each tortilla.
Step Seven
Top each taco with a few slices of avocado. If you prefer, you can add additional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa. Enjoy your Spicy Big Jim Pepper and Chicken tacos while they’re hot!
