Chipotle-Spiced Chicken

In a small pot, heat the rice, a big pinch of salt and 2 ½ cups of water to boiling on high. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 18 to 20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and stir in the pepitas and a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and set aside in a warm place.

While the rice cooks, wash and dry the fresh produce. Medium dice the zucchinis. Peel and mince the garlic. Cut off and discard the root ends of the scallions; thinly slice the scallions, separating the white bottoms and green tops. Halve the tomatoes. Pick the cilantro leaves off the stems; discard the stems. Using a peeler, remove the green rind of the lime, avoiding the white pith; mince the rind to get 2 teaspoons of zest (or use a zester). Quarter the lime. In a small bowl, combine the Mexican crema, lime zest and the juice of 2 lime wedges; season with salt and pepper to taste.

While the rice continues to cook, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the zucchinis; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and white bottoms of the scallions. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Transfer to a large bowl. Wipe out the pan.

While the rice continues to cook, to the bowl of cooked zucchinis, add the tomatoes, half the green tops of the scallions, half the cilantro and the juice of the remaining lime wedges. Drizzle with olive oil and stir to thoroughly combine; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season on both sides with salt and as much of the chipotle chile powder as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. In the pan used to cook the zucchinis, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken, skin sides down. Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a serving dish.

Transfer the salad to the serving dish of cooked chicken. Garnish the cooked chicken with the remaining cilantro. Garnish the pepita rice with the remaining green tops of the scallions. Transfer the lime crema to a serving dish and serve on the side. Enjoy!