10 to 12cupschopped romaine salad, about 3 medium heads of romaine
1can black beans, rinsed and drained
1cupchopped cilantro
3 to 4green onions, chopped
1cupthawed frozen or fresh corn kernels
1 to 2cupshalved cherry tomatoes
1cupcubed or thinly sliced cheddar, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese (or a combo)
1cupchopped olives
1 to 2avocados, seed removed and diced
Lime wedges for serving, optional
Tortilla chips for serving
Ranch dressing for serving (see note)
Instructions
For the chicken:
Pressure cooker, combine all the ingredients for the sauce, except the chicken, in an electric or stovetop pressure cooker and stir well. Nestle the chicken in the sauce. Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes (7 minutes if using a stovetop pressure cooker). Let the pressure naturally release.
Slow cooker, combine all the ingredients for the sauce, except the chicken, in a slow cooker and stir well. Nestle the chicken in the sauce. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Stovetop, combine all the ingredients for the sauce, except the chicken, in a saucepan. Nestle the chicken in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring often to make sure it isn't sticking. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
When the chicken is finished cooking, take it out and dice or shred into small pieces.
Puree the sauce (with an immersion or regular blender) until smooth. If you want the sauce even thicker, consider simmering it on the stove for 10 minutes until it thickens and reduces a bit (I'm never that patient).
For the salad, either toss all the salad ingredients together in a bowl, including the chicken, or serve all the ingredients separately so everyone can build their own salad.
Drizzle the salad with ranch dressing and cooled tomato sauce (from cooking the chicken). Toss, if desired. Top with crushed tortilla chips, serve with lime wedges, and dig in.
Notes
Tomato Paste: it's really annoying to have to open a can of tomato paste for a couple tablespoons (I get it); try looking for tubes of tomato paste. My grocery store carries them as well as Trader Joe's. Just squeeze out what you need and refrigerate the tube until you need it next time.Cocoa Powder: also, you might be questioning the cocoa powder in the sauce. It's not a typo! The small amount adds a depth to the sauce; it's yummy, I promise (and it won't make the sauce taste like a brownie)!Ranch Dressing: here is my favorite homemade version.