Chili Chicken

Chili Chicken Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 4-6 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Chili Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a spicy and savory chili sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals.

History

Chili Chicken is a popular dish that originated in the United States, inspired by traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors. It has since become a staple in many households and restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

6 boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped bell pepper
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cans Mexican stewed tomatoes (approximately 15 oz (425 g) each)
1 can chili beans
0.67 cup picante sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp salt

How to prepare

In a large skillet, sauté the chicken, onion, pepper, and garlic in vegetable oil until the vegetables are wilted.
Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
Serve the dish with rice.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
Use ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breast for a different twist.
Make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences.

- For a spicier dish, add some chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes.

- Serve the chili chicken with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili chicken with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking is the best technique for making chili chicken as it allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any color bell pepper you prefer.

- Substitute kidney beans or black beans for the chili beans.

- Use salsa instead of picante sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Chili chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chili chicken in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Add a side of rice or tortillas for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair chili chicken with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or a refreshing margarita for a delicious and satisfying 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

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Chili Chicken is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and does not contain any common allergens.

Summary

Chili Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With a little heat and a lot of flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chili Chicken. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My mother had always been a wonderful cook, and I had learned so much from her over the years. But this recipe was different. It was a special dish that she had learned from a traveling chef who had passed through our village one summer.

I can still remember the day he arrived, with his large wooden cart filled with pots, pans, and all sorts of exotic spices. He set up a makeshift kitchen in the center of the village square and began to cook up a storm. The delicious smells wafted through the air, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers. I was among them, mesmerized by the way he moved with such grace and skill around the stovetop.

As I watched him work, I noticed that he was making a dish unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was a fiery red chicken curry, with chunks of tender meat simmering in a rich, spicy sauce. I could practically taste the flavors just by looking at it. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I approached the chef after he had finished cooking and asked him if he would be willing to teach me his recipe. To my delight, he agreed. He took me under his wing, showing me step by step how to prepare the dish. I watched intently as he roasted the whole spices, ground them into a fine powder, and blended them with fresh ginger, garlic, and chilies to create a fragrant paste.

He then marinated the chicken pieces in this pungent mixture, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. As he cooked the chicken in a thick, luscious gravy, the aroma grew more intoxicating with each passing minute. Finally, he added a splash of coconut milk to balance out the heat, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors that danced on my tongue.

I couldn't wait to try the finished dish. When he ladled a generous portion onto a plate for me to taste, I closed my eyes and took a bite. The explosion of flavors was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The heat from the chilies was tempered by the sweetness of the coconut milk, creating a perfect balance of spicy and savory notes. It was a revelation.

From that day on, Chili Chicken became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I wanted to treat myself to a taste of something exotic. Over the years, I refined the recipe, adding my own touches and adjustments to suit my own palate. I experimented with different types of chilies, varying the proportions of spices, and even trying out different cooking techniques to see how they would affect the final dish.

Each time I made Chili Chicken, it brought back memories of that fateful day when I first learned the recipe from the traveling chef. I could almost hear his voice guiding me through the steps, his hands deftly moving about the kitchen as he passed on his knowledge to me. I felt a sense of gratitude towards him for sharing his culinary secrets with me, and I vowed to pass on this recipe to future generations so that they too could experience the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.

As I sit here now, in my cozy kitchen surrounded by the familiar aromas of spices and herbs, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the people who have enjoyed my Chili Chicken over the years. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a dish that brings us together and nourishes both body and soul. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that sense of anticipation I felt all those years ago when I first discovered the magic of this recipe. It is a feeling that will never grow old, just like the flavors of Chili Chicken that will always hold a special place in my heart.