Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Calabacitas

Smoky chile-lime chicken and peak-summer zucchini come together in one skillet for a fast Oaxacan-inspired dinner with warm corn tortillas.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $18
  • Calories per serving: 700 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    1 pound $6.49
  • Organic Zucchini Squash
    12 ounces $2.77
  • Roma Tomato
    8 ounces $2.89
  • Yellow Onion
    1/2 medium onion $1.49
  • Organic Garlic
    2 cloves $2.69
  • Lime
    1 lime $0.69
  • Cilantro Bunch
    1/4 cup chopped leaves and tender stems $1.19
  • Corn tortillas
    6 small tortillas
  • Chipotle pepper in adobo
    1 tablespoon minced
  • Dried Mexican oregano
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3/4 teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Slice 12 ounces organic zucchini into 1/2-inch half-moons. Dice 8 ounces Roma tomatoes, finely chop 1/2 medium yellow onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, chop 1/4 cup cilantro, and halve 1 lime.

  2. 2.

    Pat 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs dry and season with the juice from 1/2 lime, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Let stand for 10 minutes.

  3. 3.

    Make the smoky tomato mixture by combining the prepared 8 ounces diced Roma tomatoes with 1 tablespoon minced chipotle pepper in adobo, 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.

  4. 4.

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in one layer and sear for 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, until browned and the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.

  5. 5.

    Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the prepared 1/2 medium chopped yellow onion to the skillet; cook for 2 minutes. Add the prepared 12 ounces sliced zucchini and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but still firm. Add the prepared 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.

  6. 6.

    Stir the smoky tomato mixture into the vegetables and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up the browned bits. Squeeze in the juice from 1/2 lime, return the rested chicken and its juices to the skillet, and turn the chicken once to coat it in the sauce.

  7. 7.

    Warm 6 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. Plate the chicken and calabacitas with the tortillas, then scatter the prepared 1/4 cup chopped cilantro over the top.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling cools the chipotle heat while complementing the lime and sweet summer vegetables.