Delicious Chicken Picado Recipe for a Perfect Family Dinner
As a dedicated home chef who loves throwing parties, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make recipes that are sure to impress my guests. And when it comes to Mexican cuisine, there’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering flavors of Chicken Picado from Carlos O’Kelly’s. That’s why I’m excited to share with you this fantastic recipe for Chicken Picado that’s just like what you’d find at the popular restaurant chain.
If you’re a fan of Mexican food but don’t want to bother with complicated recipes, then you’ll love this Chicken Picado. It’s flavorful, hearty, and perfect on its own or wrapped in a tortilla for a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy enough to make even on busy weeknights for a quick and tasty dinner option.
By following this recipe closely and using fresh ingredients like garlic, green onions, and juicy chicken breasts, you’ll be able to recreate that signature Carlos O’Kelly’s flavor that everyone knows and loves. So why wait? Grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s guaranteed to impress your guests, then you need to try my Chicken Picado recipe! Inspired by the classic Carlos O’kelly’s dish, this chicken picado is packed with bold flavors and a touch of spice that will tantalize your taste buds.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course with rice or tortillas, or use it as a filling for enchiladas, tacos, or even pasta. You can also customize the level of heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder you use.
Another reason why I think you’ll love this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will rival any menu item at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
But perhaps the best reason to make this chicken picado is the reactions you’ll get from your family and friends. Every time I make this dish, I’m inundated with compliments and requests for the recipe. It’s become an instant hit at dinner parties and potlucks!
So if you’re tired of making the same old recipes and want to try something new and exciting, give my Chicken Picado recipe a try. Trust me, once you taste it, you won’t be able to get enough!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this Chicken Picado recipe.
For the Marinade:
- 32 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
Other Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
- 6 green onions, sliced thin (save juice)
- 1 tomato, diced thin
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, melted
- Sour cream for garnish
You can find these ingredients in any grocery store near you. It might seem like a long list but have no fear! Everything is simple to find and should be available in most cases. So let’s get started!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to get started on making this savory and flavorful Chicken Picado recipe!
Step 1: Prepping the chicken
First and foremost, we need to prepare our chicken. Take Chicken Boneless Breasts (1 lb) and cut them into thin pieces. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Fajita Chicken Marinade (32 ounces) and minced Garlic (2-3 cloves). Mix it well to create an even coating. Add your chicken slices in and leave it to marinate for a few minutes.
Step 2: Making the garlic butter sauce
While your chicken marinates, let’s make the delicious Garlic Butter Sauce that brings this dish together. In a skillet, melt Butter (1/4 cup) over medium heat. Once melted, add in Salt (1 tsp), Pepper (1/2 tsp), and minced Garlic (2-3 cloves). Stir the mixture continuously until they are well combined.
Step 3: Sautéing vegetables
Next, we will add our vegetables to the skillet as we sauté Broiled Green Onions (6 pieces sliced thin and separate onion from green part), and Green Bell Pepper (1 diced). Cook for 2-3 minutes in medium heat until onions are soft and translucent.
Step 4: Cooking the chicken
Once our vegetables are cooked, add our marinated chicken from step one into the skillet with melted butter garlic sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes or till chicken turns completely white.
Step 5: Adding tomatoes and cheese
Now it’s time to add some color! In goes one diced Tomato (1), your DRAINED and saved green onion juice (6 ounces), Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup shredded). Mix everything well till cheese melts.
Step 6: Serving your Chicken Picado
Your Carlos Kelly Delight size Fajita is now ready! Pair it with Tortillas, Buttered Flour Tortillas or Cheese Crisps or serve over a bed of pasta diablo if you want to go all out. You can also add some Sour Cream on top with Enchilada Sauce or Queso on top.
By following these simple steps, anyone can enjoy a hearty meal of homemade Chicken Picado like Carlos O’Kelly’s!
Substitutions and Variations
Carlos O’Kelly’s Chicken Picado is a delicious and classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. While the original recipe is undoubtedly tasty, there are many opportunities to experiment with substitutions and variations in order to put your own spin on this classic dish.
One easy substitution to try is swapping out the chicken for another protein. Beef or shrimp can be used as an alternative to chicken in the dish. You can also keep the chicken but add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. This will make for a vegetable-packed filling that can be enjoyed on its own, over rice, or even tossed with pasta for a fun twist.
If you’re looking to switch up the flavor profile of the dish altogether, you could try incorporating different seasonings such as cumin, smoked paprika, or even chili powder. Another great option is using a variety of cheeses instead of Monterrey Jack. Feta, cheddar, or even mozzarella all offer unique flavors that can take this dish to new heights.
For those with specific dietary restrictions, there are plenty of substitutions available that can make this dish work for you. Gluten-free flour tortillas and cornstarch are available for those who need wheat-free options. Additionally, almond milk or soy milk can be used in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making substitutions and variations in Carlos O’Kelly’s Chicken Picado recipe. Whether you’re trying to accommodate dietary restrictions or simply want to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, there’s something here for everyone. So get creative and start cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve prepared the delicious Chicken Picado recipe, it’s time to think about how you want to serve and pair it. One of the best things about this dish is that it’s versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
One option is to spoon the Chicken Picado over a bed of rice or noodles. This not only adds depth to the dish but also creates a filling meal. Another way to enjoy this dish is by rolling it up in warm flour tortillas to create flavorful tacos or burritos. You can even add shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, and diced tomatoes to create a Mexican-style feast.
To take your Chicken Picado to the next level, try serving it alongside some classic Mexican sides like queso dip, cheese crisps, or even pasta diablo. These sides complement the spiciness of the Chicken Picado perfectly.
For drinks, try pairing your Chicken Picado with a refreshing margarita or a cold beer. Of course, if you have any guests who don’t drink alcohol, fresh fruit juice, soda, and water are excellent alternatives.
Finally, don’t forget about dessert! Consider serving a light and fruity dish like fresh berries and whipped cream or traditional Mexican desserts like flan or tres leches cake.
With these serving and pairing options, your Chicken Picado will be an absolutely delightful meal for your friends and family – may they be joining you for dinner or happening upon your Facebook photos and being envious of their missed meals!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve prepared the delicious Chicken Picado, you might be wondering what’s next. Luckily, this dish is perfect for making ahead and reheating, so you can enjoy it even on a busy weeknight.
If you’re planning to make this recipe ahead of time, I recommend storing the cooked chicken and vegetables separately from the sauce, and then combine them just before reheating. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of each component.
To store the chicken and vegetables, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm up the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat. Once they’re heated through, add the garlic butter sauce and stir until everything is well coated.
If you have any leftovers that you’d like to store for later, transfer them to an airtight container once they’ve cooled down. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For reheating frozen leftovers, I recommend defrosting them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as directed above.
By following these storage tips, you should be able to enjoy the full flavor of this Chicken Picado recipe even if you don’t have time to prepare it fresh every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know the ingredients and steps to prepare this delicious Chicken Picado recipe, it is time to focus on some tips that can help you achieve perfect results.
As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to slice the chicken thinly to ensure that it cooks evenly. You don’t want to end up with dry or undercooked chicken breasts. Therefore, use a sharp knife and some patience when slicing the chicken.
Another tip is to marinate the chicken breast for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.
When sautéing green onions and peppers, make sure to cook them until they are slightly browned and soft. It takes about 5-7 minutes for them to cook fully, releasing their flavors entirely.
To make the butter garlic sauce more flavorful, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. The unique aroma of fresh garlic will add a depth of flavor to your sauce that is unmatched by garlic powder.
It is important to avoid overcooking the vegetables in this recipe. Overcooking can cause them to become mushy and lose their distinct flavors and textures.
When reheating leftovers, make sure you do it on low heat as high heat can make the meat tough and dry while degrading its flavors.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with different variations of toppings and sauces. For instance, instead of using normal tortillas, try cheese crisp or flour tortilla. You can also switch up the queso or enchilada sauce to add some variety in your Chicken Picado dish!
By following these tips, you will be sure to create an exciting and unforgettable experience for everyone indulging in your homemade Chicken Picado dish!
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this chicken picado recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine or simply wants to impress their friends and family at a party. By using fresh ingredients, from the juicy diced chicken to the tangy tomatoes and green peppers, along with the perfect blend of spices, you will be able to create a dish that brings a burst of flavor and authenticity to your table. Whether you are looking for an easy dinner recipe or hosting a fiesta with friends, this chicken picado like Carlos O’kelly’s recipe will definitely not disappoint.
By following my detailed instructions and tips, such as marinating the chicken before cooking, using cornstarch to thicken the sauce and serving the dish with warm tortillas, you can create a dish that is mouth-watering and appetizing. You can even make some substitutions and variations based on your personal taste preferences, such as adding more garlic or sour cream or using flour tortillas instead.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this chicken picado copycat Carlos O’Kelly’s recipe today and get ready to be transported to your favorite Mexican restaurant. Once you taste this scrumptious dish, you’ll want to make it again and again. So gather your friends, family or co-workers, and enjoy a feast that they will never forget!
Chicken Picado (Like Carlos O’kelly’s) Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 ounces chicken, boneless breasts
- 1 tomatoes, Diced very thin, drained (save juice)
- 6 green onions, sliced very very thin separate onion and scallions (you will use both)
- 1 green bell pepper, small, diced very thin
- 16 ounces monterey jack cheese, Shredded
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixture to thicken sauce (2 Tsp. cornstarch with 2 Tsp. water mixed)
- 3 small tortillas (per person)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Prepare Sauce:
- Combine milk, 1 stick of butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic & sour cream in skillet over medium to medium low heat.
- Stir and heat till sauce starts to boil. Transfer sauce to Blender and Puree sauce till smooth. Transfer back to skillet and Continue to heat till boiling.
- Add cornstarch mixture and stir till thickened. Add tomato juice from diced tomatoes and stir. Transfer back to blender to Puree. Cover and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken
- Slice chicken into pieces no bigger than 1”
- Melt ½ stick of butter in skillet over medium heat, Sauté green onions and chicken. Add water and butter to ensure chicken does not crisp or get dry.
- For best results lower temperature, cover and cook slowly. Cook till chicken is completely white.
- Bake The Picado
- On oven safe plates, arrange chicken without allowing pieces to touch each other. (this may take several plates).
- Cover chicken with Picado sauce (3/4 covered)
- Cover entire mixture with heavy layer of Monterey Jack Cheese and Sprinkle diced tomatoes and scallions (green part of green onions sliced thin) over top of cheese.
- Bake in oven at 350 until all cheese is melted completely.
- Remove from oven just before it begins to turn a light golden color.
- Cheese still needs to be white.
- Prepare tortillas during baking (warm in microwave by placing wax paper between each tortilla stacked on a microwave safe plate for 1 – 3 minutes on high – covered)
- Serve fresh and hot from oven.
- Each tortilla should contain 2 – 4 Tsp of Picado
- Add any desired toppings (guacamole, Tomatoes, lettuce, salsa, etc.)
- Many people love this without any additional toppings.
- Roll tortillas and eat.
- Best if served with refried beans (with sausage) and Spanish Rice.
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!