Spicy Garlic and Lime Chicken, Roasted Red Potatoes and "Zucchini", and White Rice

I learned some very valuable lessons in this week's foray into the kitchen. The one that I would say is most important - pay attention to what you "think" you are buying while at the store (more to come on this in a minute). I also learned that when using dried spices - proportions can be estimated. And lastly - I learned that roasting is often used as a fancy word for baking.


For dinner this week, I wanted to try and put a spin on the normal chicken breast. As I'm trying to eat healthier, I'm trying to cut out as much red meat as possible, and replace it with chicken. I've done several Italian styles, but nothing Caribbean like this dish. 

Chicken Recipe:

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon paprika

2 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

2 limes zested and juiced 

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Directions:

This chicken recipe is extremely easy (as I am learning most are). All you need to do is take the chicken breast and use all of the ingredients above as a dry rub. Coat both sides of the breast with all ingredients and then placed in a greased pan to brown/sear. Each breast should cook approximately 5-8 minutes on both sides. To tell if they are finished, all you need to do is cut a small slit into the chicken to test for pink. 

Roasted Potatoes and "Zucchini"

8 small red potatoes
2 Zucchini
1/4 cup olive oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions:

This side dish SHOULD be easy. But in order for it to turn out properly - make sure you are buying what you intend to make. In short - I meant to buy Zucchini, but bought the very aesthetically similar cucumber. Needless to say, when we sat down to the table we were in for a surprise.

Other than that minor hiccup, this dish was also pretty easy. Quarter the potatoes and drop in a bowl that contains the seasoning mixture. Once all are covered equally, put in a baking dish in a pre-heated oven (425 degrees) for 20 minutes. Once that is done, coat the "zucchini" and add to the same baking dish and cook for an additional 10 minutes.