Healthy Recipe of the Week

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo in a few days, I thought I’d share a recipe similar to the Mexican dish, Chicken Tinga. Whether or not you celebrate, this recipe will satisfy a craving for Mexican food.  It uses smoked paprika (instead of chipotle powder) to cut the heated spice.

What is your favorite Mexican dish, beverage, or restaurant?

Smoky Citrus Chicken 

Ingredients 

• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2  White Onion (thinly sliced)
• (1) Garlic Clove (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (*may substitute for Chipotle Powder for extra spice.)
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Coriander 
• Pinch of Dried Oregano
• 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice
• 1/4 cup Chicken Stock (*homemade is preferred.) (*may substitute for water.)
• 1 1/2 cups Chicken Breasts (cooked and shredded)
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Directions

In a medium pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Sauté the onion until it softens (2 – 3 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for thirty (30) seconds.

Add the tomato paste, paprika, coriander, and oregano. Cook, while stirring, for one (1) minute.

Stir in the orange juice and chicken stock. Simmer until thickened (1 – 2 minutes).

Toss the chicken in the the saucy onion mixture. Season with salt and black pepper. 

To prepare tacos: Serve with corn tortillas, sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, lime wedges, and if desire, a favorite hot sauce. 

Yields:  2 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Per serving (3/4 cup): 340 Calories | 18g Total Fat | 2.5g Saturated Fat | 10g Carbohydrates | 2g Fiber | 6g Total Sugar | 0g Added Sugar | 33g Protein | 320mg Sodium

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference 

Chef Kate. (2025, March/April). The health cook: Get shredded. Nutrition Action, P.21.