Pecos Chicken Cornbread Salad Food

PECOS CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, toss chicken with all of the seasonings. Cover with plastic wrap, and allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat a grill or a large grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken on each side for 1 to 2 minutes per side. If your pan is not oven-safe, then transfer chicken to a baking dish and let finish cooking in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Let the chicken cool, slice it into julienne strips, and reserve.
• Heat a pan of canola oil until the temperature of the oil reaches 375 degrees F. Fry the tortilla strips until crisp, about 2 minutes. With a spider or slotted spoon, remove the strips from the pan and let drain on a paper towel.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the lettuce, onions, and tomatoes with 1 cup of the Tomatillo Vinaigrette. Toss until all ingredients are well mixed. Divide the lettuce mixture evenly among 4 dinner plates or individual salad bowls. Arrange 4 tomato quarters around the edge of each salad.
• In a circular pattern, arrange the chicken atop each salad, alternated with the avocado and poblano slices in between. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup cheese over each salad. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with the tortilla strips and cilantro.
• Add the tomatillos to a pot of simmering water, and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain the tomatillos into a colander, and allow them to cool slightly.
• In blender, combine all of the ingredients except the oil. Puree the mixture for 15 seconds, and then continue blending for 30 seconds, slowly drizzling in the olive oil through the top until the dressing emulsifies.

PECOS CHICKEN-CORNBREAD SALAD

Steps:

• Mix cornbread batter as directed, stirring in the can of chopped green chiles.
• Pour the batter into a medium pan and bake per the package directions.
• Remove the cornbread from the oven, cool, and cut into 1" cubes.
• While the cornbread is baking, heat a small amount of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and tomatoes; bring to a quick boil, then stir in the spices.
• Cover and simmer the chicken mixture for 5 minutes; remove from heat and cool.
• Wait until the cornbread and the chicken mixture are completely cool before assembling the salad.
• In a large glass bowl, layer the following ingredients: half of the cornbread, half of the chicken mixture, half of the lettuce and each of the vegetables.
• In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise.
• Spread half of this mixture over the vegetables and sprinkle with half of the Cheddar cheese.
• Repeat this process, ending with the Cheddar cheese.
• Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.