Creamy Cilantro Chicken

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut off and discard any stem ends from the green beans. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Using a zester or the small side of a box grater, zest the lime to get 1 teaspoon. Quarter the lime. In a bowl, combine the cilantro sauce, mayonnaise, and the juice of 2 lime wedges. Season with salt and pepper. Roughly chop the pepper; thoroughly wash your hands, knife, and cutting board immediately after handling.

In a small pot, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt, and 1 cup of water. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook, without stirring, 13 to 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and fluff with a fork.

Meanwhile, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the pepitas; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 3 minutes, or until toasted (be careful, as the pepitas may pop as they toast). Transfer to a plate and immediately season with salt. Wipe out the pan.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season on both sides with salt, pepper, and enough of the spice blend to coat (you may have extra). In the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board. 

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 165°F for chicken.

In the pan of reserved fond, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the green beans; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the chopped garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until slightly softened. Add 2 tablespoons of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the green beans are softened and the water has cooked off. Turn off the heat; stir in the juice of the remaining lime wedges. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

To the pot of cooked rice, add the lime zest, toasted pepitas, and as much of the chopped pepper as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be. Stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Slice the cooked chicken crosswise. Serve the sliced chicken with the finished rice and cooked green beans. Top the chicken with the creamy cilantro sauce. Enjoy!