Chicken Tacos with Charred Tomatoes

By Coppermouse

Charring tomatoes in a hot, dry skillet makes them smoky and flavorful; in combination with fresh herbs and spices, they elevate this dish from "everyday" to "ta-da!"

Ingredients

• 2 plum tomatoes, cored
• 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 teaspoons lime juice, plus lime wedges for garnish
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 6 small corn tortillas, heated (see Tip)
• Tip: Wrap tortillas in barely damp paper towels and microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds.

Preparation

Step 1

Heat a medium skillet over high heat until very hot. Add tomatoes and cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until charred on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly. Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise; squeeze to discard seeds. Remove cores and chop the remaining pulp and skin.

Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add 1 teaspoon oil to the pan and heat over high heat until very hot. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink in the middle, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add lime juice, the chicken and tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cilantro and scallions. Divide the chicken mixture among tortillas. Serve with lime wedges.