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Cheesy Popper Chicken with Strawberry Salsa and Guacamole Rice

Servings 4
Author Foodtastic Mom

Ingredients

for the chicken

  • 4 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded thin)
  • 2 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 4 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 c. 2 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 T. mild green chopped chiles from a can drained
  • juice of one lime
  • 1/4 c. strawberry jam
  • 2 T. vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 c. Panko bread crumbs

for the salsa

  • 1 c. fresh strawberries finely chopped
  • 1/4 c. red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 c. fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 1 T. fresh jalapeño finely chopped
  • juice of one fresh lime
  • 1 T. honey
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of cardamom

for the rice

  • 1 1/2 c. arborio rice
  • 1 T. butter
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 lime
  • 1/2 c. fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

for the chicken

  • With a hand or stand mixer, mix together the bacon, cream cheese, Monterey Jack and green chiles. Place 1/4 of the cheese mixture in the middle of each of the four chicken breasts and roll as shown in the picture.
  • Whisk together the lime juice, strawberry jam and oil. Sprinkle each piece of chicken with salt and pepper and place seam side down in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and roll each piece in the Panko bread crumbs to coat. Place the chicken on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reads at least 165 degrees.

for the salsa

  • Mix together the chopped strawberries, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, honey, salt and cardamom. Set aside.

for the rice

  • Bring 2 1/4 cups of water and butter to a boil. Add rice, stir and cook according to package directions... reduce heat to simmer, cover with lid and allow to cook for about 20 - 25 minutes.
  • Mash together the avocado, lime juice and salt. Mix in the hot, cooked rice, then stir in the fresh cilantro. Add more salt to taste, if needed.
  • Serve rice topped with chicken, topped with strawberry salsa.

Notes

Adapted from Sassy Girlz