Rojo Chicken and Cucumber Salsa

I was totally pumped when my friend, Amy, blessed me with cucumbers from her garden. It was like the clouds parted and inspiration was born. I was dreaming up all the glorious concoctions I was meant to create …. Like a Nor Cal Cucumber Margarita, Shrimp Stuffed Cucumber Cups, Cucumber Ceviche – Ceviche?! SALSA!!! Now, that’s what I’m talking about!!

I had a bunch of yummies to make the cucumber salsa – but what to pair it with? CHICKEN?? Why yes, chicken and cucumber salsa — sounds rather lovely. Being fresh out of my bottled taco seasoning, I reached deep into my pantry to pull out a packet of organic taco seasoning. WHAT? They put soy in this stuff? And flour? Arggg…. into the trash in went. On to my seasoning drawer ….what to do, what to do. I was seeing RED. Red pepper flakes, red chili powder and red onion, BaBy. Thus, Rojo Chicken was born and welcomed with open mouths ….er, ahh arms – welcomed with open arms, into my recipe collection.

Rojo Chicken was a perfect complement to the Cucumber Salsa – which I tossed in just about everything except the kitchen sink. I must say – I think it’s the dill which makes this a stand out dish. I had purchased fresh dill for salmon– it was just staring me in the face, beckoning to be used. So, in it went – and there it belonged, binding cool flavors of cucumber and bell pepper, together with the bite of jalapeño and red onion. I tossed in tomato and cilantro for good measure – squeezed in a few limes ….whalla!! A beautiful salsa with a cool bite – so good, I brought some next door to welcome our new neighbor’s!!

ROJO CHICKEN

3Lb. Chicken Breast, cubed

4 TBSP Olive Oil

½ Red Onion, diced

1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

1 tsp. Chili Powder

CUCUMBER SALSA

3 Cucumbers, deseeded & diced

3 Tomato, deseeded & diced

1 Green Bell Pepper, deseeded & diced

½ Red Onion, diced

3 Jalapeño, deseeded & minced