Chicken with Cacao Spice Rub & Tomatillo Pineapple Salsa

HomeClinics & ProgramsELLICSR KitchenChicken with Cacao Spice Rub & Tomatillo Pineapple Salsa

Skill Level	Easy

Preparation Time	15 minutes	Total Time	30 minutes
Servings	4	Cost Per Serving	$3.10

Dry Cocoa Spice Rub

Chicken & Tomatillo Pineapple Salsa

2	Chicken Breasts, butterflied into 4 pieces
2 tsp	Olive Oil or Grape Seed Oil
1 cup	Pineapple, grilled and roughly chopped
3	Tomatillos, washed and roughly chopped
1	Poblano Chili (any chili will work)
1/2 cup	White Onion, roughly chopped
2	Limes, juice only
1	Avocado, diced
1/2 cup	Cilantro (optional)

Coat each chicken breast generously with about 2 tsp of the dry cacao spice rub
Heat a safe non-stick or cast iron pan over medium high heat and add oil. Once oil begins to shimmer add the chicken to the pan, making sure you hear it sizzle. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until cooked all the way through (cut through the middle to ensure the chicken is cooked well or check for an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F).
While the chicken is cooking add the grilled pineapple, tomatillos, chile, onion, lime juice and cilantro to a blender and blend until slightly chunky.
Serve salsa with the chicken and top with a little avocado and a side slice of lime.

PDF link to nutrition facts table for Chicken with Cacao Spice Rub & Tomatillo Pineapple Salsa

Why is chocolate associated with love? Cocoa and chocolate have been shown to affect mood in several ways. First of all, cocoa may increase the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger associated with regulating mood and sleep. Serotonin levels tend to be lower in people with depression. Chocolate also contains phenethylamine, a chemical that triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals which are associated with pleasure. Phenethylamine is released in the brain when people fall in love, which may be why a gift of chocolate can be a romantic gesture.
The fat in cocoa and high quality chocolate comes from cocoa butter, which consists of equal parts oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil) and saturated fat from stearic and palmitic acids. Most saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL (lousy) cholesterol and higher risk of heart disease. Research suggests that stearic acid has a neutral effect on LDL cholesterol. However, palmitic acid does raise LDL cholesterol levels, which is why it is best to enjoy chocolate in moderation.