Delicious Pollo Con Calabacita Recipe for Dinner Tonight
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for Chicken with Tatuma Squash, also known as Pollo con Calabacita. This dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. It’s packed with flavor, has a comforting homestyle appeal and it’s easy to prepare.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can attest that this recipe is perfect for gatherings of all sizes. From intimate dinners to large family reunions, Chicken with Tatuma Squash is always a crowd-pleaser. The flavors mix together in a way that leaves everyone satisfied and asking for more.
One of the best things about this recipe is the versatility of ingredients that can be substituted or added according to your taste preference. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to introduce new ingredients like tatuma squash into your diet.
So whether you’re a seasoned cook looking to add new recipes to your collection or someone just starting out in the kitchen looking for an easy, tasty dish, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a dish that combines the warmth of summer with the comfort of a home-cooked meal? Look no further than this delicious Chicken with Tatuma Squash recipe! Not only is it packed with bold Mexican flavors, but it also features fresh, healthy produce that will make your taste buds sing.
But why will you love this recipe specifically? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make – simply cut up the chicken and squash, sauté some onions and garlic, throw in some tomatoes and spices, and let everything simmer to perfection. It’s a one-pot wonder that you can have on the table in under an hour!
But beyond its simplicity, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next party or family gathering. The tender chunks of chicken and velvety squash are perfectly balanced by the heat of serrano chilies, the zing of garlic cloves, and the richness of dried oregano. And with plenty of fresh ground black pepper and salt to season everything just right, each bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you hungry for more.
Plus, this recipe is endlessly versatile – try swapping in other types of summer squash or adding in some corn ala mexicana for even more texture and depth. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a meatless main course or just looking for an easy way to use up all those summer vegetables from your garden, this dish has got you covered.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s fresh, flavorful, and infinitely customizable – not to mention easy on the wallet and guaranteed to please even picky eaters. Try it tonight and see what all the fuss is about!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Pollo con Calabacita:
Chicken
- 1 (3-pound) broiler-fryer chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1/2 white onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Squash
- 4 Tatuma squash, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 2 Serrano chilies, seeded and chopped finely
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1/2 white onion, sliced
- 3 tomatoes, roasted and peeled
- Salt to taste
This simple ingredient list is all you need to create an authentic Mexican dish that’s packed with flavor. These ingredients are easy-to-find in any grocery store or local farmer’s market.
The Recipe How-To
Start by rinsing and patting dry 3 pounds of broiler-fryer chicken cut into 8-10 pieces. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon dried oregano. Then, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped 2 garlic cloves and ½ onion, and cook until soft.
Next, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 4 tatuma squash (or zucchini) cut into 2-inch wedges and cook until they start to soften.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the squash is cooking, prepare the sauce by blending together 4 chopped tomatoes, 2 serrano chilies, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Add the sauce to the skillet with the squash and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Once your sauce has cooked for a few minutes, return the chicken to the skillet and add more seasoning to your taste. Cover your skillet with its lid and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through.
This dish can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. Enjoy alongside some roasted butternut squash or other vegetables of your choice.
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to fit your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, and ingredient availability. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Squash: If you can’t find tatuma squash, you can use other summer squash varieties such as zucchini, yellow squash, or pattypan. Butternut squash is a good substitute for a sweeter flavor and firmer texture.
– Chicken: Instead of broiler-fryer chickens, you can use chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time and more tender meat. You can also use pork chops or beef strips if you prefer.
– Spice level: Serrano chilies can be very spicy, so adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance. If you don’t have serrano chilies, you can use jalapenos or dried chili flakes instead.
– Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the dish such as bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms. For a heartier meal, you can also add beans or rice.
– Cheese: If you want to add a cheesy element to the dish, sprinkle shredded cheese (such as cheddar or monterey jack) on top of the cooked chicken and squash before serving.
– Broth: Instead of using water in the recipe, you can use chicken broth for added flavor.
Remember to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly when making substitutions or variations. These changes can bring new flavors and textures to the dish and make it your own.
Serving and Pairing
Chicken with Tatuma Squash is a classic Mexican recipe that tastes best when served hot and fresh out of the oven. The delicate flavors of the squash are elevated when it is paired with a serving of fluffy Mexican rice or a warm and comforting bowl of black beans. You could also pair this dish with roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to add another layer of texture and color.
To keep things light, you could serve a mixed green salad on the side, drizzled with a tangy lime vinaigrette for added flavor. A side of sliced avocado would also complement the dish well and provide a creamy texture that balances out the spice in the dish.
If you’re looking to turn up the heat, consider serving chicken with Tatuma Squash with some spicy salsa on the side or topping it off with freshly sliced serrano chilies. For those who prefer something milder, a dollop of sour cream can cool down any heat and enhance the creaminess of the squash.
This versatile dish can be served family-style in a large platter or individually plated for presentation. Either way, it’s an attractive and flavorful choice that is sure to impress your guests. No matter how you choose to serve it, chicken with Tatuma Squash is an excellent choice for any dinner party or gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of my favorite things about this Chicken with Tatuma Squash recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. If you’re planning a party or hosting guests, it’s best to make the dish a day ahead of time, as the flavors will have more time to meld together.
To store the chicken and squash, allow them to cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure that you reheat it on low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken, which may result in tough meat. You could use a microwave oven to reheat small portions. For larger quantities, it’s best to use an oven-safe dish, cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
As with any food, leftovers shouldn’t go to waste. The Chicken with Tatuma Squash recipe can also be frozen for up to three months. To do this, simply allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer. When you’re ready to consume it again, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the techniques described above.
In conclusion, storing and reheating this Chicken with Tatuma Squash recipe is easy and convenient. With these methods, you’ll enjoy delicious meals without sacrificing taste or texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking chicken and squash can be challenging, but with the right tips and techniques, you can achieve a delicious Pollo Con Calabacita dish! Here are some helpful tips to follow for perfect results:
1. Properly season the chicken: This dish requires a lot of spice to give it that authentic Mexican flavor. Make sure to generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried oregano before searing it in a pan.
2. Cut the tatuma squash into uniform pieces: The key to evenly cooked squash is to cut it into similar sized pieces. Try cutting the tatuma squash into 2-inch cubes and removing any seeds from the center.
3. Brown the chicken first: Before adding diced onion, garlic, and serrano chilies to the pot, take time to sear the chicken in a large Dutch oven. This process will create a crispy exterior that locks in all of its flavorful juices and makes it tender.
4. Use fresh ingredients: To enhance the natural flavors of this dish, use fresh produce such as ripe tomatoes, zucchini, and summer squash instead of canned or frozen vegetables.
5. Cover with a tight-fitting lid: Tatuma squash cooks within 20-30 minutes over medium heat, so ensuring your Dutch oven has a tight seal is essential to avoid losing any moisture or steam.
6. Add cheese on top: If you want to elevate this dish further, add some crumbled queso fresco on top before serving. The result is pure creamy goodness that contrasts beautifully with the savory spices.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an authentic Provençal-inspired Pollo Con Calabacita recipe that is moist, tender, spicy and oh-so-delicious!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the chicken with tatuma squash (pollo con calabacita) recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine or wants to add a new twist to their poultry dishes. The combination of tender chicken and savory squash, flavored with a blend of spices and chilies, makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, looking for an easy weekday dinner idea, or want to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. With the help of our tips and recommendations, you can achieve perfect results every time and enjoy the best calabacita squash recipes out there!
So don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try – with fresh ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of room for variations and substitutions, you’re sure to create a dish that everyone will love. And who knows – you might just discover your new favorite way to cook chicken!
Chicken With Tatuma Squash ( Pollo Con Calabacita ) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (2 1/2-3 lb) broiler-fryer chickens, cut into 8 to 10 pieces or 4 large bone-in chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 4 zucchini or 4 summer squash, halved, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large tomatoes, halved and sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 4 -5 whole serrano chilies (optional)
- salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt; add to the pan, and cook, turning once or twice, until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Pour off the excess fat.
- Add the squash, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chiles, if using.
- Season with additional salt if needed, the oregano, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
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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!