Skillet Chicken With Mexican Green Rice & Salsa Macha

Photo: themodernproper.com

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• ½ medium white onion, quartered
• 2 whole garlic cloves
• 4 green onions, white and green parts
• 1 cup packed cilantro stems and leaves
• 1 cup packed fresh spinach
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 smashed garlic cloves
• 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
• 4 cups chicken stock

Salsa Macha (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 cup vegetable oil, divided
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 10 chile de árbol, stemmed and seeded (see Note 1)
• 1 to 2 large guajillo peppers, stemmed, seeded, and torn into pieces
• ⅓ cup raw, shelled, unsalted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

For Serving:

• Lime wedges
• Crema or Mexican crema
• Fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Make the salsa macha. Heat ½ cup of the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the garlic and cook, stirring often, until golden brown and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Transfer the garlic and oil to a small heat-safe bowl.
2. Heat the remaining ½ cup of oil in the skillet. Once the oil is glistening, add the chiles and cook, stirring often, until aromatic and slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Transfer the chiles and oil to the bowl with the garlic.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the peanuts, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the oil, garlic, and chiles. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the oil mixture, vinegar, oregano, and salt to the base of a blender. Pulse until mostly smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed. 
5. Set aside for serving or let cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight jar. Store refrigerated for up to 1 month. The oil will separate, so stir before using.
6. Add the chicken to a medium bowl, and season all over with 1 teaspoon of the salt.
7. In the base of a blender, combine the onion, whole garlic cloves, green onions, cilantro, spinach, and ¾ cup of water. Blend until smooth. Transfer about ½ cup of the sauce to the bowl with the chicken and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining sauce in the blender.
8. Heat ¼ cup of the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 3 smashed garlic cloves and cook, stirring, until golden brown and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes (see note 2). Add the rice and stir to coat. Cook, stirring often, until it turns lightly golden and fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes.
9. Pour the remaining green sauce over the toasted rice and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is absorbed, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
10. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, working in batches if necessary, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
11. Once the rice has cooked for 15 minutes, gently fluff with a fork. Nestle in the chicken, cover, and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let cool, covered, for about 5 minutes. 
12. Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Divide among 6 bowls and serve topped with a drizzle of crema, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a generous spoonful of Salsa Macha.

Notes:

1. We recommend wearing gloves while handling the chilies. If you don't have gloves, wash your hands and do not touch your face or eyes after handling. 
2. We like to leave the garlic in the pan to add more flavor, but if you don’t want garlic in the finished dish, you can remove it before adding the rice.
3. Rice: It's important to rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
4. Green sauce: The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
5. Chicken: You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
6. Spice level: The dish is mild; add 1 small, seeded jalapeño to the green sauce for more heat.

SOURCE: themodernproper.com