Trying to keep cool this summer? Try eating something spicy! It seems counterintuitive, but eating hot and spicy food can actually cool you down. How? In a couple of ways. When we eat that spicy food, we sweat, engaging our body’s natural cooling system. There are also receptors in our tongues that sense heat – both temperature and spice wise. Those sensors trigger that same sweat-to-cool response. As they say, fight fire with fire, and try this hot and cooling recipe!
Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
4-5 tsp. cajun seasoning, divided (store-bought OR make easy homemade seasoning below!)
1 c. uncooked rice
2¼ c. low sodium chicken broth
1 whole bell pepper (any color, OR ½ of two kinds)
Roughly chopped cilantro
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Ingredients:
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1½ tsp. paprika
½ tsp. pepper
½ tsp. onion salt
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
Heaping ½ tsp. oregano
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
Directions:
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with about 2 tsp. of Cajun seasoning. Drizzle a large pan or skillet (one that has a lid) with oil and cook chicken breasts for about 1 minute on each side over medium-high heat, just long enough to brown each side of the chicken. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add rice, peppers, chicken broth, and remaining 2-3 tsp. Cajun seasoning (control the spiciness by adding more or less seasoning) and stir to combine.
- Place chicken on top of the rice, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until liquid is absorbed and chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.
Recipe and Photo courtesy of LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
To view the full recipe for visit LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com