Spicy Chicken & Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients:

Rub:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Chicken:

• 1 lb. chicken  boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro, plus whole leaves for garnish
• 4 (8-inch) whole-wheat tortillas

Makes 4 Servings

1. For the rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic, paprika, thyme, cayenne and black pepper.
2. For the chicken: Lightly pound each chicken breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Rub a thick layer of the spice mixture onto both sides of each chicken breast.
3. In a large heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Addchicken and cook until blackened on both sides and cooked through, 2-3 minutes perside. Transfer chicken to a cutting board.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil and onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring to scrape up any brown bits clinging to the bottom of the skillet, until onion is softened, 1-2 minutes. Add beans and cook until heated through, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in tomato and minced cilantro.
5. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Cut chicken on the bias (diagonal) into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place tortillas on 4 plates. Divide chicken and beans among tortillas. Fold tortillas into cones and top with cilantro leaves.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. I was craving some Latin flavors for dinner and I love chicken and I love tacos so whay not have chicken tacos for dinner. Fajitas and tacos are so delicious and so easy to prepare. These tacos put a healthy and filling bite into your mouth they will leave you satisfied. These are nothing like you get at a fast food joint and they are just as good as you would get them at a restaurant. Don't be intimidated by the black beans. They are also known as Mexican, Spanish or black turtle beans and are an excellent source of iron, fiber, magnesium and folate. These tacos may look like a hot mess but they are really filling and tasty and will soon become your new comfort food. These new comfort foods can also be made in 30 minutes or less. If you're thinking about going out for Mexican food or to a Mexican fast food joint, DON'T GET IN  YOUR CAR!! Save yourself time and money and make these at home and turn your kitchen into a hacienda.