1jalapeno or preferred hot pepperchopped (optional)
3sprigs fresh thyme
¼ to ½cupwater
2-3large tomatoesheirlooms are great if available
salt & pepper to tasteabout 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper
2-3tablespoonsolive oil
3chicken breastsboneless and skinless
6slicespepper jack cheeseor other pepper cheese like chipotle cheddar slices
1avocado
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet (or dutch oven) until hot. Add onions and sweat in oil (saute over med-low heat until translucent) for 2-4 minutes.
2-3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large red onion
Add garlic and cook gently for 1 minute (do not scorch). Add paprika and stir into onion mixture to coat (it will be dry). When paprika is thoroughly mixed in add water (or broth) and cook until liquid is evaporated (about 2 minutes).
2-4 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1/4 cup water
Add the peppers, thyme and water and cover. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes to steam vegetables.
2 large red bell peppers, 2 banana peppers, 1 jalapeno or preferred hot pepper, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
Add the tomatoes, salt & pepper and cover. Cook gently until the liquid from the tomatoes has cooked down and you are left with a thick sauce (about 10-15).
2-3 large tomatoes, salt & pepper to taste
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and brush with oil. Heat 2-3 Tbsp olive oil until quite hot (almost smoking) in separate pan. Place chicken breasts in hot oil and sear until brown, about 3 minutes. Turn chicken over and turn down heat and cook until done (about 5-8 minutes depending on size of chicken). Chicken meat should be white inside, but don't overcook or it will be dry.
When chicken is cooked through, place the cheese slices on top of the chicken breasts and cover the pan to melt the cheese. Slice the avocado while the cheese is melting.
1 avocado
Spoon the piperade onto a plate, place the chicken breast on top, and cover with the sliced avocados.
Notes
If you like my articles about cooking and gardening, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, where I share free recipes and gardening tutorials.