Mexican Chicken Adobo Recipe
A few years ago, I found myself sitting at a small family-owned restaurant in Guadalajara, savoring something so flavorful, it felt like a warm kind of magic on my taste buds. It was Mexican chicken adobo, and honestly, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Ingredients
- 4 dried guajillo chilies substitute with ancho chilies if unavailable
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 white onion peeled and halved
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 piece of cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups of chicken stock
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs and drumsticks skin on or off, your choice
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Start by removing seeds and stems from dried chilies to reduce bitterness. Lightly toast them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften. Meanwhile, roast onion, garlic, and tomatoes on a dry skillet until they’re slightly charred.
- Blend the softened chilies, charred veggies, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and half the chicken stock until smooth. Strain the sauce for a silky texture if needed, and add a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Rub chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear them in a hot skillet with oil until golden brown. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Pour the adobo sauce over the chicken in the skillet and add the remaining chicken stock. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning or tanginess with more vinegar if needed. And voilà! Your flavorful Mexican Chicken Adobo is ready to serve.
Notes
- Bold Flavor: Marinate the chicken in the adobo sauce for 2-3 hours before cooking.
- Healthier Twist: Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a lower-fat option.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, tofu, or jackfruit.
- Thicker Sauce: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy texture.