Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo

Why Make This Recipe

Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors and a comforting feeling to your table. This recipe showcases the richness of Mexican cuisine while allowing the chicken to shine through tender and delicious. Making this dish at home means you can enjoy an authentic taste that rivals what you find in local restaurants.

Adobo sauce, known for its unique combination of spices and dried chiles, infuses the chicken with a robust flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to use simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or local grocery store.

Sharpen your cooking skills while enjoying the process of preparing each element from scratch. Cooking this recipe as a family or with friends creates an opportunity for bonding over food, sharing stories, and having a good time together.

How to Make Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo

Ingredients

• 4 Bone-in Chicken Legs
• 4 Bone-in Chicken Thighs
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Coriander
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 medium Roma Tomatoes
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 3 dried Guajillo Chiles
• 2 dried Ancho or Chipotle Chiles
• 2 dried Pasilla or New Mexico Chiles
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
• 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro
• White or Spanish Rice
• Corn or Flour Tortillas
• Avocado Slices

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by preparing your chiles. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles. Place them in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Allow them to soak for about 15-20 minutes until soft. Once they are soft, drain the water.

2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken legs and thighs with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, oregano, dried coriander, and ground cloves. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.

3. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent browning. Brown the chicken on each side for about 5 minutes until they turn a nice golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Next, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

5. Make the Sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to break down. After this, blend the soaked chiles with enough chicken broth to create a smooth paste. Add this paste to the pot along with the remaining chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Add the Chicken Back In: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Make sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and let it cook for about 35-40 minutes.

7. Final Touches: After cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.

8. How to Serve: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice, with tortillas on the side. Garnish with chopped cilantro and avocado slices for added flavor and color.

How to Serve Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo

When serving Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo, it’s essential to consider texture and flavor combinations. The dish is splendidly complemented with white or Spanish rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. The tortillas are perfect for scooping up the chicken and sauce or wrapping them into delicious bites.

Garnishing with avocado slices adds a creamy contrast to the spiced chicken. Chopped cilantro not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a fresh burst of flavor that balances the richness of the adobo sauce. Enjoy the meal family-style, where everyone serves themselves, allowing for personalized portions and an inviting atmosphere.

How to Store Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the dish in advance, storing it properly is key to maintaining its flavor and quality. Follow these steps for storing Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo:

1. Cool Down: Let the dish cool at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.

2. Use Airtight Containers: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors inside and prevent the chicken from drying out.

3. Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

4. Freezing (Optional): If you want to store the dish for a longer time, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. This can preserve the quality for up to 2-3 months.

5. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a pot over low to medium heat, occasionally stirring until warmed through. If frozen, it’s best to thaw the dish in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo

1. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding more dried chiles or using fresh chiles. Conversely, for a milder version, reduce the number of chiles you use.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes and garlic. Fresh produce enhances the flavor and overall appeal of the dish.

3. Patience is Key: Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce helps it absorb all the wonderful flavors. Don’t rush this step; it will be worth the wait!

4. Experiment with Accompaniments: While rice and tortillas are traditional pairings, feel free to serve the adobo with beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to bring variety to the meal.

5. Perfect the Sauce: After tasting the sauce, you can adjust it to your preference. If it’s too acidic, add a touch of sugar to balance; if it’s too salty, add a bit more chicken broth.

Variation

While the classic Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo uses chicken, you can experiment with other proteins such as pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time according to the protein type. Each variation will provide a new experience with this flavorful sauce.

You can also play around with the types of dried chiles used. Each one brings its unique flavor, so don’t hesitate to mix and match based on what you have on hand or your personal palate.

Another variation could include adding different vegetables into the sauce, like bell peppers or carrots, which can add a nice texture and additional healthy components.

FAQs

1. How spicy is Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo?

The spiciness of this dish can vary greatly depending on the types and amounts of dried chiles used. Guajillo chiles are relatively mild, while ancho and pasilla chiles have a deeper flavor but less heat. If you want to control the heat level, you can always adjust the type and amount of chiles to match your preference.

2. Can I make Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead. The flavors deepen and improve when allowed to sit, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.

3. What sides pair well with Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo?

Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo pairs wonderfully with white or Spanish rice and corn or flour tortillas. You can also serve it with black beans, avocado salad, or street corn for a complete meal.

4. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken if you prefer. However, the cooking time may be shorter, so keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.

5. What is the best way to store leftovers of Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo?

To store leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage up to 2-3 months.

Cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with robust recipes like Savory Mexican Chicken Adobo. By preparing this dish, you celebrate the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine and create memories gathered around the dinner table with family and friends. Enjoy cooking and savoring each bite!

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