Chicken Olé

Mexican Chicken Olé Recipe with Bell Peppers & Lime Juice

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Olé is a delicious and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that is sure to please your taste buds. This dish features tender chunks of chicken cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, lime juice, and melted cheddar cheese. It is a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

Chicken Olé is a popular dish that has its roots in Mexican cuisine. It is a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist. The dish has gained popularity in recent years for its bold and zesty flavors.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into coarse chunks)
1 tbsp oil, for frying
salt to taste
0.5 medium red bell pepper, sliced 0.25 inches x 1 inch long
0.5 medium green bell pepper, sliced 0.25 inches x 1 inch long
2 tbsp onion, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp bottled fresh minced garlic, or equivalent fresh garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large, deep, heavy non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken, sprinkle with salt, and turn to brown both sides. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Add onions and peppers to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Return the chicken to the pan and add garlic. Reduce the heat to very low, cover, and cook for 5–10 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Sprinkle with lime juice and mix well. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and remove from heat. Serve when the cheese is melted.

Variations

Add black beans or corn for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Use different types of cheese such as pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into coarse chunks to ensure even cooking.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.

- Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as tomatoes or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Olé with rice, tortillas, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the vegetables until tender-crisp to retain their nutrients and vibrant colors.

- Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt evenly over the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chicken Olé with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a margarita for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

35g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (cheese).

Summary

Chicken Olé is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Olé is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, colorful vegetables, zesty lime juice, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious meal with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Olé. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always admired her ability to whip up delicious dishes with ease.

As I sat at her kitchen table, sipping on a glass of refreshing lemonade, Maria pulled out a worn recipe card from her recipe box. She held it up with a twinkle in her eye and said, "I have a special recipe to share with you today, my dear. It's my family's secret recipe for Chicken Olé."

I leaned in eagerly, my curiosity piqued. Maria began to explain how she learned to make Chicken Olé from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each adding their own twist to make it their own.

As Maria read off the list of ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the savory flavors in my mind. The combination of tender chicken, spicy peppers, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese sounded absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

After jotting down the recipe in my own handwriting, Maria insisted on showing me how to make it right then and there. We gathered all the ingredients and got to work, chopping, sautéing, and simmering until the kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of Chicken Olé.

As we sat down at the table to enjoy our meal, Maria and I shared stories and laughter, savoring each bite of the delicious dish. It was a moment I would never forget, a memory that would forever be etched in my heart.

From that day on, Chicken Olé became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. Every time I cooked it, I felt connected to Maria and her family, a part of their culinary legacy.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to make it my own. But the heart of the dish remains the same, a tribute to the love and tradition that Maria shared with me that fateful summer day.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Chicken Olé for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the thought of passing on this cherished recipe to the next generation. I hope that they will feel the same joy and excitement that I felt when I first learned to make it, a delicious reminder of the power of food to bring people together.

So here's to Chicken Olé, a dish that transcends time and space, connecting me to Maria, her family, and all the generations that came before. May it continue to bring warmth and nourishment to all who have the pleasure of tasting its flavorful goodness. And may the tradition live on for many years to come. Bon appétit!