Chicken & Sweet Pepper Tacos

If you prefer to use an oven to warm the tortillas instead of a microwave, preheat the oven to 375°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Using the flat side of your knife, smash the olives; remove and discard the pits, then roughly chop. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Cut off and discard the stems of the peppers; remove and discard the cores, then thinly slice lengthwise. Peel and roughly chop the garlic. Cut off and discard the root end of the lettuce; thinly slice the leaves. 

In a medium pot, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt, half the spice blend, and 2 cups of water. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook, without stirring, 12 to 14 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the raisins and chopped olives. Cover to keep warm.

While the rice cooks, pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken in an even layer and cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a bowl. 

Add the sliced onion and peppers to the pan of reserved fond (if the pan seems dry, add a drizzle of olive oil). Season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the chopped garlic and remaining spice blend. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until combined. Add the cooked chicken and 2 tablespoons of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until combined. Turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

While the vegetables cook, if using a microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel; microwave on high 1 minute, or until heated through. Transfer to a work surface and carefully unwrap. If using the oven, wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place directly onto the oven rack; warm 7 to 9 minutes, or until heated through. Transfer to a work surface and carefully unwrap. 

Season the crema with salt and pepper. Assemble the tacos using the warmed tortillas, finished chicken and vegetables, sliced lettuce, seasoned crema, and cheese. Serve the tacos with the cooked rice on the side. Enjoy!