Savor the Flavor: Chicken a La Mexicana Recipe
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with your loved ones for a delicious home-cooked meal. And if you’re looking to spice up your dinnertime routine with something bold, hearty and packed with authentic Mexican flavors, look no further than my Chicken A La Mexicana recipe.
This dish is brimming with tender boneless, skinless chicken breast that’s cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce imbued with the bold tastes of fresh cilantro, chili powder, and fragrant garlic. Tomatoes provide a bright counterpoint to the dish while olive oil adds depth and richness to every bite.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become an instant classic in your household. And as an added bonus, it’s easy to prepare and incredibly versatile – you can serve it over rice, stuff it into tacos or burritos, or even pair it with quinoa for a healthier twist on this traditionally indulgent dish.
So why settle for bland and boring weeknight dinners when you can treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special? With my Chicken A La Mexicana recipe in your arsenal, every mealtime can become a culinary adventure.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greetings, fellow foodies! Today I’m here to talk to you about one of my all-time favorite recipes, Pollo a La Mexicana, or as I like to call it, Chicken La Mexicana.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bold, fiery flavors and fresh, zesty ingredients, then boy do I have the perfect recipe for you!
First off, let’s talk about the star of the show – boneless skinless chicken breasts. They’re tender, juicy, and cook up perfectly in our recipe. And when they’re paired with diced tomatoes, garlic cloves, olive oil and chili powder you get that classic Mexican flavoring which is simply out of this world!
But the real magic comes from adding in fresh cilantro – it truly adds an extra pop of flavor that takes this dish to a whole new level.
We’re basically combining all the best components of Mexican cuisine into one mouth-watering masterpiece. The Pollo La Mexicana recipe is versatile enough to pair well with any side dish – whether it’s arroz con pollo or even just plain quinoa. But it doesn’t stop there; this recipe can also be used in other recipes like chicken fajitas or even scrambled eggs!
And in case you were wondering if there’s a way to make this dish spicy: there certainly is! If you prefer your food on the spicier side then add in some Picante Pollo or La Diabla sauce while cooking. These elements create fire in your mouth without making it too overpowering.
So if you like your food to be full of flavor and spice just like I do then give this recipe a try! Not only will it satisfy your cravings but it’ll also impress anyone who tries it. It’s easy to make has healthy lean meats and spices that will leave everyone at your party asking for seconds – I guarantee it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to gather to make this delicious chicken dish:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1-1/2 lbs)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves: 2 large cloves, minced
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, diced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Optional ingredients:
– Chicken thighs: You can swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
– Pollo la Diabla: For a spicier version, you can add some Picante Pollo la Diabla sauce to the recipe.
– Mexican-style scrambled eggs (Huevos a la Mexicana): A popular breakfast dish in Mexico, you can serve this chicken with some scrambled eggs mixed with tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a complete meal.
– Arroz con Pollo: To make the famous Mexican dish Arroz con Pollo, simply cook some rice with chicken broth or tomato sauce and add it to your chicken la Mexicana recipe.
– Quinoa: For a healthier alternative to rice, you can use quinoa instead.
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now is the fun part! Let’s start cooking. This chicken a La Mexicana recipe is a straightforward and colorful dish that it will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
First, let’s go through the ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 2-inch pieces
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp of olive oil
Directions
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Season the diced chicken with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Once the chicken is cooked thoroughly, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet and stir well with the chicken mixture.
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Cover the skillet and let simmer for five minutes until the tomatoes are softened and release their juice.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top of your newly-made Pollo a La Mexicana.
Serve your delicious Chicken a La Mexicana hot or warm with a side of quinoa or rice, garnished with sliced avocado if desired.
You can also use this flavorful chicken as a filling for tacos or fajitas. The possibilities are endless!
Enjoy your spicy Mexican-style dinner tonight with this fantastic recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up with your chicken la mexicana recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations to consider.
First, let’s talk about the chicken. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the classic choice for this dish, you can also use chicken thighs or a mix of both for added flavor and texture. If you prefer beef or steak, you can try substituting with bistec instead.
For those who like a bit more spice in their meal, you can add some la diabla sauce to give it a fiery kick. Or if you want a creamier version of this recipe, try pollo con crema recipe that adds a rich and silky taste due to the addition of crema.
Quinoa is an excellent substitute for rice in this dish if you’re looking for something light and healthy. For vegetarians and vegans, this recipe could be adapted by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
You can also add some new flavors like carnitas or beef to further diversify your Mexican-style cuisine. Don’t hesitate to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences.
Lastly, you can serve the chicken la mexicana with different sides depending on your mood. Instead of traditional rice, try serving with quinoa or even colorful roasted vegetables. And why not pair it up with hot homemade picante salsa for an extra burst of flavors?
With so many substitutions and variations available, this recipe will never get boring as there are endless possibilities for customization. So feel free to experiment in the kitchen and find the best combination that appeals to your palate!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve whipped up this flavorful and spicy Pollo a La Mexicana, it’s time to think about how you’re going to serve it. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile, meaning there are many delicious ways to enjoy it.
One popular method is to serve the chicken with a side of fluffy white rice, also known as arroz con pollo. This classic Mexican dish perfectly complements the bold flavors and spices in Pollo a La Mexicana, making for an unforgettable meal. You can also try pairing the chicken with quinoa for a healthier twist.
Another accompaniment that pairs well with this dish is a traditional Mexican soup like Pozole or Caldo de Res. A refreshing corn salad, guacamole or Pico de Gallo also make great side dishes that will help cool and balance out the heat from the chili powder used in the recipe.
If you’re looking for a lighter meal option or are pressed for time, you could try transforming your leftover Pollo a La Mexicana into delicious tacos. Simply spoon shredded chicken onto warmed up corn tortillas and top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, onions and crema for extra creaminess.
Alternatively, you could use this recipe as the base for an incredible steak (bistec) or beef carnitas dish too. Serve along with sides such as grilled veggies, black beans and Spanish rice for an enticing feast.
To round up the experience and complete any serving choice of yours, make sure to have some cold drinks within reach! Whether it’s your favorite Mexican beer or iced tea flavoured with lemon juice, a refreshing drink can calm your tastebuds down after enjoying the spicy Pollo a La Mexicana.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I’m a firm believer that cooking should be as effortless and stress-free as possible. That’s why I’ve included tips on how you can make this Chicken a La Mexicana recipe ahead, store and reheat it without losing any of its deliciousness.
Make-Ahead:
You can prepare the chicken a la mexicana ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before reheating. To store the chicken, let it cool completely at room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Label and refrigerate immediately.
Storing:
The chicken a la mexicana is super versatile, and you can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later use. If you plan to store it in the fridge, I suggest passing on adding the fresh cilantro until you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the cilantro from wilting and losing its flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Reheating:
To reheat the chicken a la mexicana, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated thoroughly. You can also use your oven or stove-top to reheat the dish. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), transfer your chicken into an oven-safe dish or baking sheet, cover with foil, then place it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Tips:
If you’re planning to cook this dish ahead of time remember to wait till just before serving to add fresh cilantro – this will enhance the flavors and give your meal that final boost of freshness. Additionally, if you are going to freeze this meal remember that dairy-based sauces such as crema do not freeze well so those should be added just before serving also.
In conclusion, I hope these tips on make-ahead, storing, and reheating your Chicken a La Mexicana has been helpful. This recipe is perfect for quick and healthy dinners that do not compromise on taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking chicken a la Mexicana, everyone wants juicy and flavorful chicken that is brightened up by fresh ingredients. But what are the tips for ensuring that your chicken la Mexicana recipe comes out perfectly every time? Here are some practical tips that will help you take this dish to the next level.
First, consider marinating the chicken in advance. Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken, especially when using tough cuts like thighs or legs. If you have time, marinate your chicken breast or thighs preferably overnight to allow the flavors of chili powder, garlic cloves and fresh cilantro to infuse into the meat.
Secondly, use a generous amount of oil when cooking to make sure your chicken doesn’t stick to the pan. Olive oil is a good choice for this recipe as it adds extra flavor and moisture. Additionally, using a skillet with a non-stick coating helps prevent the chicken from sticking and breaking apart as it cooks.
Another crucial tip is to avoid overcooking the chicken. Chicken breasts should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F on an instant-read thermometer while thighs should be cooked at 175°F for perfect results. It’s best to remove them from heat once they reach these temperatures because overcooked chicken will be dry and lose its tenderness.
Lastly, don’t overcrowd your pan! Crowding can cause the chicken to sweat rather than brown resulting in less flavorful crispy exterior. Cook in batches if needed and then combine everything together before serving.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make juicy and delicious chicken a la Mexicana that will impress everyone at your next party!
FAQ
As we near the end of this recipe article, I anticipate that you may have some common questions about cooking Chicken a La Mexicana Recipe. Fortunately, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter while cooking this delicious dish. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the FAQs!
What is Mexicana Chicken?
Get ready for a flavor-packed meal with my Mexican-style chicken sandwich! Bite into a juicy, breaded piece of fresh-fried chicken that is golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This tasty treat is served on a toasted sesame seed bun and topped with zesty mayo, creamy American cheese, fresh tomato slices, diced red onions, crunchy tortilla chips, and shredded lettuce. It’s a sandwich that is sure to satisfy any craving and leave you coming back for more.
What is pechuga a la Mexicana?
The dish I want to share with you today is a succulent grilled chicken breast coated with a savory blend of sautéed tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, onions, and bacon.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, the Chicken a La Mexicana Recipe is a must-try dish that will surely add zest to your parties and family dinners. This recipe is perfect for those who crave for authentic, spicy Mexican food without having to leave their homes. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Not only is this dish delicious and fulfilling, but it also offers versatility when it comes to serving and pairing with other dishes. You can serve it as the main course or use it as a filling for soft-shell tacos or burritos. It would also be great paired with a side of quinoa or accompanied by some creamy crema on top.
Moreover, you don’t have to worry about leftovers because this recipe stores and reheats well. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it the next day for a quick lunch or dinner fix.
Lastly, this Chicken a La Mexicana recipe will definitely be a hit and keep your guests wanting more! So don’t hesitate to try out this flavorful yet easy-to-make dish at your next gathering or for your family’s dinner tonight. Now go grab some fresh cilantro, boneless skinless chicken breasts, tomatoes, garlic cloves and chili powder to start cooking!
Chicken a La Mexicana Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 -2 jalapeno (seeded & chopped)
- 1/2 white onion (chopped or diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium size skillet, add the garlic and saute for a moment. Season the chicken with salt & pepper and brown in the skillet along with the garlic.
- When the chicken is evenly browned on both sides (approximately 8 minutes), add the rest of the ingredients and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- When all the flavors are combined, serve with Spanish rice & warm tortillas.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!