Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, rich history, and diverse ingredients. Among its many iconic dishes, chicken plays a prominent role. Whether grilled, braised, or stewed, chicken is a versatile protein that can be used in a variety of traditional and modern Mexican recipes. The combination of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and vibrant salsas makes Mexican chicken dishes a delightful treat for the taste buds. In this article, we will explore seven authentic Mexican chicken recipes that are sure to bring the flavors of Mexico right into your kitchen.
7 Mexican Chicken Recipes
1. Pollo en Mole Poblano
Pollo en Mole Poblano is one of the most famous Mexican chicken dishes, known for its rich, deep flavor. Mole Poblano is a complex sauce made from a blend of dried chilies, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and spices. It is traditionally served over chicken and is a celebration of Mexico’s culinary heritage. This dish has its roots in Puebla, and it’s often prepared for special occasions or festive meals.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried pasilla chilies
- 1 dried mulato chili
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Mexican chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the dried chilies to the pan and toast them for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Add the cumin, cinnamon, cloves, sesame seeds, almonds, raisins, and peanut butter, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for 10 minutes.
Blend the sauce using an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth.
Return the sauce to the skillet, add the tomato paste and chocolate, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken back into the pan and spoon the mole sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve the pollo en mole poblano with rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Pollo en Mole Poblano is a dish rich in flavor, with smoky, sweet, and spicy elements that perfectly complement the tender chicken. It is a comforting and indulgent dish that truly represents the heart of Mexican cuisine.
2. Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado, or grilled chicken, is a simple yet flavorful Mexican dish. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, spices, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. This dish is commonly served at barbecues and family gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with Mexican sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Rub the chicken with the marinade, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve the Pollo Asado with your choice of sides such as grilled vegetables, Mexican rice, or guacamole.
The citrusy marinade adds a refreshing tang to the chicken, while the spices enhance its depth of flavor. This dish is simple yet bursting with vibrant Mexican flavors.
3. Tacos de Pollo
Tacos de Pollo are one of the most popular street food items in Mexico. The tender, seasoned chicken is shredded and served in warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh salsa, cilantro, and onions. These tacos are quick to prepare, making them a perfect choice for a casual meal or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Salsa, for serving
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add the cumin, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and return the chicken breasts to the pan. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the cooking juices in the skillet.
Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave. To assemble the tacos, spoon the shredded chicken onto each tortilla and top with fresh cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serve the tacos immediately.
Tacos de Pollo are flavorful, easy to make, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. The tender chicken and spices make for a satisfying meal, while the salsa and lime add a refreshing kick.
4. Pollo a la Crema
Pollo a la Crema is a creamy, comforting chicken dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful cream sauce. The dish is popular in Mexican homes and restaurants alike, and it’s often served with rice or tortillas. The sauce is made with sour cream, poblano peppers, and a variety of spices, making it both indulgent and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion, poblano peppers, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the sour cream, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serve the Pollo a la Crema hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
The creamy sauce in Pollo a la Crema is rich and flavorful, with the smoky poblano peppers adding a unique depth of taste. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or tortillas.
5. Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con Pollo, or rice with chicken, is a classic Mexican dish that combines chicken, rice, and vegetables into one hearty meal. The chicken is simmered with rice and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp saffron (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup peas (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add the rice to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast the rice.
Add the chicken broth, cumin, paprika, saffron (if using), and additional salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
If using peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve the Arroz con Pollo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Arroz con Pollo is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with savory rice and vegetables. The spices and saffron infuse the rice with incredible flavor, while the chicken remains juicy and delicious.
6. Pollo a la Veracruzana
Pollo a la Veracruzana is a flavorful dish inspired by the coastal region of Veracruz, Mexico. The chicken is simmered in a tangy tomato sauce with olives, capers, and a blend of spices, creating a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. This dish is often served with rice or tortillas to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, olives, capers, white wine, cumin, oregano, and additional salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Serve the Pollo a la Veracruzana with rice or tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro.
The combination of olives, capers, and tomatoes creates a savory, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. This dish is a unique and flavorful option for anyone looking to try something new.
7. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Enchiladas are a staple in Mexican cuisine. These rolled tortillas are stuffed with seasoned chicken and topped with a rich enchilada sauce and cheese. They are baked until golden and bubbly, making them the perfect comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Shred the chicken with two forks.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it in a baking dish.
Pour extra enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
These Chicken Enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing dish with a perfect balance of flavors. The sauce adds richness, while the cheese brings a creamy texture, making this a beloved comfort food in Mexican households.
Conclusion
Mexican cuisine offers a wide variety of flavorful chicken recipes that showcase the vibrant and bold flavors of the region. From the rich and complex Mole Poblano to the fresh and zesty Tacos de Pollo, there’s a chicken dish for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for something hearty, creamy, or tangy, these seven Mexican chicken recipes provide an array of delicious options that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Try them out and bring the flavors of Mexico to your dinner table.
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