Recipe: Sear BBQ Chicken Over Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad & Asparagus

Total Time: 1 Hour                 Prep Time: 30 Minutes          Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

For Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad

• 4 Medium Sweet Potatoes, (peeled, chopped, 2 pound before peeling)
• 1 Onion, (diced)
• ½ Teaspoon of Salt and Optional Pepper
• 3 Tablespoon of Oil, or Spray (for fat-free option)
• 2 Teaspoon of Minced Garlic
• 1 ½ Tablespoon of Lime Juice
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, (diced)
• 1 ½ Cups of Cooked or 1 Can of Black Beans
• Optional 1 Cup Canned or Cooked of Corn
• ¾ Cup of  Fresh Cilantro, chopped (omit if desired)

For Seared BBQ Chicken & Blanch Asparagus:

• 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon of Chili Powder
• ¼ Teaspoon of Onion Powder
• ¼ Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
• ¼ Teaspoon of Dried Oregano
• ½ Teaspoon of Kosher Salt
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper Optional
• ½ Cup of Barbecue Sauce
• 1 Bunch of Asparagus

Method of Preparation:

1. For Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad
   • Toss sweet potatoes and onions with 1 1/2 tablespoon of oil (or spray), sprinkle with salt and optional pepper, and place in one layer on a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in a non-preheated oven on the center rack, then turn the oven to 450 F. Bake 30 minutes, or until potatoes are soft. Add all remaining ingredients to a large bowl, then toss with the sweet potatoes. Serve hot or cold.

2. For Seared BBQ Chicken:
   • Mix olive oil, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Add raw chicken and coat evenly.
   • Heat medium skillet (preferably iron) over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in skillet, cover, and cook 5 minutes.
   • Turn chicken, replace cover, and cook an additional 5 minutes.
   • Remove cover and check chicken for doneness with probe thermometer or testing if juices run clear. When cooked completely, pour half of BBQ sauce over chicken. Turn chicken over, and pour remaining sauce over the other side. Cook 2-3 minutes more while using a spoon or basting brush to coat chicken with sauce.

3. For Blanch Asparagus:
   • To remove the woody ends from the asparagus, gently bend the end of each spear until it snaps naturally.
   • To blanch asparagus, add to a pan of boiling water. A frying pan is best as the spears will fit easily.
   • Cook for 45 seconds or until bright green. Run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
   • Season with salt, pepper and olive oil