The Smoke Monster Does Waco?

Believe it or not, this picture is not blurry.  

That's just smoke.  

Lot's of smoke.  Filling our kitchen.  

We made (really delicious) blackened chicken tacos with black beans last night, and the smoke overtook the entire house.  We could barely finish cooking we were so busy choking on fumes and gasping for air.  Nostrils burning.  Eyes watering.  

I don't know if it was cooking the chicken over such high heat, or if it was the mix of spices we coated it with (lots of cayenne, lots of black pepper, lots of chipotle flavored Mrs. Dash).  But if I ever doubted the scariness of the black smoke monster on Lost, last night's experience has changed my mind.  That was some intense smoke!  But the results were worth it.

(Seriously, these were so good, but I advise you to proceed with caution.  And maybe take the batteries out of your smoke detector first)

Blackened (and I do mean Blackened) Chicken Tacos with Black Beans

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp Mrs. Dash chipotle seasoning

2 tbs oil

1 medium onion (chopped)

1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)

1 medium tomato (chopped)

1 tbs fresh chopped cilantro

Juice of 1 lime

Whole wheat tortillas

Directions:

Start by combining all spices in a small mixing bowl.  Pound the chicken breast till it's nice and thin.  If you have really large, thick breasts (hee, sorry) you might want to butterfly them first.  Coat both sides of chicken breast in spice mixture.  Heat 1 tbs of oil over high heat, then add chicken and cook until blackened on both sides and cooked completely through (2-3 mins per side, depending on the size of your breasts, and again, hee).  While the chicken is cooking, you may need to open all your windows, turn on every fan, cough, splutter, and gasp for air.  Or at least, that's what we did.  When chicken is done, remove to a cutting board and cut into nice taco sized slices.

Meanwhile, reduce heat to medium and in the same pan, add the rest of the oil plus chopped onion and cook until well-softened (about 3 mins).  Be sure to get up all the brown bits left behind from the chicken.  When the onions are done add the beans and heat through (about another 3 mins).  Then remove from heat, stir in tomato, cilantro and lime juice and salt to taste.

Heat the tortillas whatever way you prefer (we used the broiler because I'm obsessed with our broiler now that I know how to work it properly).  Divide the chicken and beans evenly among the tortillas.  Top with shredded cheese and sour cream if you want (and if you have it on hand).  Air out your kitchen and enjoy.