2tablespoons+ 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oildivided
3/4cupdry plain couscous
3/4poundchicken tendersbreast or boneless thigh will work too
salt and pepper
1/2teaspooncumin
1/2teaspoonsmoked paprika
1jalapenominced
1/4cupsalsa
1chipotle chili in adobo saucechopped (*optional for added heat)
3/4cupshredded Mexican cheese blend + more for topping
1/2cupchopped cilantro
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
In the mean time, cut a small piece off the bottoms of the onions so that they sit flat. Cut about 1/4-1/2 inch off the tops.
Once boiling, add the onions to the water and boil for 12 minutes. Remove the onions from the water, set aside and let cool.
Combine the water, 1 teaspoon of the olive oil and a pinch of salt in a small sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the couscous, stir, cover and set aside, off of the heat for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer to a large bowl, set aside.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin and smoked paprika.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Chop the chicken into small pieces and add to the bowl with the couscous.
Carefully remove the centers of the onion with either a knife or sharp spoon so that just 3-4 outer rings of onion are left and you have a nice hollow center for stuffing.
Chop some of the discarded onion centers so that you have 1/2 cup of chopped onions.
Add the chopped onions to the skillet the chicken cooked in and saute with the jalapeno for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Transfer to the bowl with the couscous and chicken.
Add the salsa, chipotle chili if using, cheese and cilantro to the bowl. Mix everything together and set aside.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking dish and place the onions in the dish.
Fill each onion with the mixture. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the onions from the oven, uncover, top with additional cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.