Jamaican Chicken, Rice & Bean Salad

Jamaican Chicken, Rice & Bean SaladFrom EatingWell:  September/October 1994 --Subscribe to EatingWell Magazine Today!

Molasses adds rich flavor to the dressing of this chicken, rice and bean salad.
6 servings, 1 1/3 cups eachActive Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon canola oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons unsulfured molasses
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 15-ounce can adzuki beans, or black beans, rinsed
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions, (3 scallions)
• 1 7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, rinsed and diced
• 6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
• 1/4 cup Pickapeppa sauce
• Lime wedges, for garnish

PREPARATION

1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice and cook over medium heat until rice is tender but still firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain in a sieve and rinse under cold water to separate grains. Drain well and set aside.
2. Whisk together lime juice, 2 tablespoons oil, molasses, garlic and jalapeño in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add beans, scallions, red peppers, 4 tablespoons of the cilantro and the cooked rice. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the grill or preheat the broiler and broiler pan. Brush chicken with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and grill or broil, basting with Pickapeppa sauce, until the meat is no longer pink in the center, about 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly.
4. Cut the chicken in half lengthwise and cut into thin slices against the grain. Add to the rice mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Garnish with lime wedges and the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro.

TIPS & NOTES

• Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate up to 1 day.

NUTRITIONPer serving: 352 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 42 mg cholesterol; 46 g carbohydrates; 22 g protein; 4g fiber; 419 mg sodium; 338 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (17% daily value), Folate (33% dv), Iron (21% dv), Selenium (27% dv).

3 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch, 3 very lean meat, 1 fat