Comfy Cuisine- Home Recipes from Family & Friends: Grilled Mojito Lime Chicken with Fresh Black Bean Salsa

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I was never a big fan of cilantro until about 2 years ago.  The smell of it used to make me choke and it tasted like soap to me.  I read somewhere that you have to have a bitter taste perception gene to like cilantro. There is actually a website for people that hate cilantro! I have neighbors and friends from Costa Rica and enjoyed their food at parties and BBQ’s and I guess I’ve acquired a taste for it now.  No latin dish with be authentic or taste the same without it.  We took a trip to Costa Rica a few years ago.  It’s a beautiful country.

The hacienda where we stayed

Here is the Marinade:

  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped mint
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika

Combine all ingredients and marinate 2 lbs. thinly sliced chicken breasts.  Marinate for at least one hour.

Costa Rican Transportation

While chicken is marinating, prepare the Black Bean Salsa.

  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 to 2 Tbs. chopped, fresh jalapeno
  • 1 Tbs. olive oil
  • 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tbs. red wine vinegar
  • 1 15-oz. can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix all the above ingredients in a medium size bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. My outside grill is still covered with snow, so I took out my handy, dandy GF grill.  I actually think it did a better job.  The chicken was juicy and I saved the drippings that were in the drip tray to pour over the chicken.  Serve with tortilla chips or soft flour tortillas. Original Post was in February.