Grilled Chicken and Rice w/ BlackBean Salad

Today is a record heat for our area.. 102*!! I don't know about you, but turning my oven or stove on during the summer only help keep the house hot! Not only is grilling a sign of summer, I often choose to grill because it keeps that extra heat outside. :)

Tonight my husband and I made grilled chicken, rice, and blackbean salad.

Purchasing Meats:

Many people don't understand that the regular store bought, boneless-skinless chicken breast (individuals) are larger than one portion. I usually slice one in have or buy the thin sliced boneless-skinless chicken breast. If you store does not sell the thin sliced, you can ask the butcher if they will slice for you. Keep in mind that most wholesale stores such as Sam's or Costco (and military commissaries) will slice the meats thinner for no additional charge. The rest you can freeze or use during the week.

Chicken:

I cannot take credit for the chicken because my HUSBAND made it! And let me tell you - it was delicious!! He seasoned it with Crushed Peppercorn and Garlic rub (from Pampered Chef) and basic onion powder. Using medium heat, grill each side for just a few minutes, ensuring it's cooked thoroughly. One thing you should always have in your reach is a handy dandy thermometer You cannot cook or temp food properly with out it.

The proper internal temp for poultry is 165*F for 15 seconds. A little tip I learned at school is heat carries over when you take it off the grill, oven, pan, ect. I usually temp it to about 155*F and let it rest. When you cut into any of it, if it look raw, you must continue cooking. Chicken carries alot of nasty bacteria and if you do NOT cook it to the proper temperature, it will not kill those organisms and get you extremely sick.

Rice:

Nothing to out of the ordinary was used to make this rice.  However, instead of water use stock (or chicken broth).  This add flavor and then season with salt and pepper. 

Black Bean Salad:

I love this fresh salad!  Annnnd it's so easy to make! Cut the corn of the ear, cut all your veggies and mix ingredients together. 

Ingredients I used:
1 Ear Roasted Corn
1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 each- orange and green bell peppers
1/4 Red Onion
1 Roma Tomatoe
Handful of Cilantro
3 TbSp Lime Juice
Salt & Pepper to taste

Enjoy!