Cold South American Chicken

South American Chicken Recipe with Potatoes, Lemons, and Jalapeño Peppers | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Cold South American Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. This dish is a popular choice in South American cuisine, known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors. The combination of tender chicken, potatoes, and a zesty salsa creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional South American cuisine, where cold dishes are often enjoyed to combat the heat of the region. The use of fresh ingredients such as cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and olives reflects the vibrant flavors of South American cooking.

Ingredients

3.5 cups of chicken broth
1.5 lb (680 g) of potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 lemons, each cut in half
3 fresh jalapeño peppers, slit down the center with seeds left in
2 tsp of cumin
1 lb (454 g) of boneless skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup of cilantro
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded with membranes removed, cut into thin strips
0.5 cup of green pimento-stuffed olives, cut in half across
4 whole green onions
1 cup of your favorite salsa

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine the broth, potatoes, lemons, jalapeño peppers, and cumin. Bring to a boil. Add chicken, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or slightly longer.
Remove from heat, add cilantro, and let the chicken and potatoes cool in the broth. Arrange the potatoes in the center of a large platter, top with shredded chicken, and garnish with eggs, red pepper strips, and 4 green onions.

Variations

You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding additional vegetables such as corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeño peppers. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of this dish, be sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. Additionally, allowing the chicken and potatoes to cool in the broth will help them absorb the flavors of the cumin and cilantro. For added heat, you can adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Cold South American Chicken can be served as a main dish or as part of a buffet-style meal. It pairs well with a side of rice or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a side of avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this dish is to cook the chicken and potatoes until they are tender but not overcooked. Be sure to simmer the chicken in the broth for just the right amount of time to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. Allow the chicken and potatoes to cool in the broth to absorb the flavors before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile. If you don't have jalapeño peppers, you can use bell peppers or poblano peppers for a milder heat.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and potatoes ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. This dish can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish visually appealing, arrange the potatoes in the center of a large platter and top with shredded chicken. Garnish with the hard-boiled eggs, red pepper strips, and green onions for a pop of color. Serve with a side of salsa and olives for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Cold South American Chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. You can also serve it with a refreshing cocktail such as a mojito or a caipirinha for a South American-inspired drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cold South American Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cold South American Chicken contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cold South American Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The potatoes and salsa in this dish contribute to the carbohydrate content, providing a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing around 8 grams of fat. The chicken breasts used in this recipe are lean and provide a good source of protein without adding excess fat.

Proteins

Cold South American Chicken is a protein-rich dish, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of protein. The chicken breasts and hard-boiled eggs in this recipe are excellent sources of high-quality protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell peppers and lemons, as well as potassium from the potatoes. The cilantro and green onions also provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and olives, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Cold South American Chicken is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and flavorful option for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Cold South American Chicken is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal. Packed with bold flavors and vibrant colors, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served as a main dish or as part of a buffet, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day that makes you want to sit outside with a tall glass of lemonade and just soak in the sunshine. I had been rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something new and exciting to try out in the kitchen. That's when I stumbled upon a crumpled piece of paper tucked away in the back of the box. It was a recipe for Cold South American Chicken.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I had never tried making a dish like this before, but something about it intrigued me. The combination of flavors and spices seemed like a symphony waiting to be played on my taste buds.

I remembered how I had come across this recipe many years ago during a trip to South America. I had been wandering through the bustling streets of a local market, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant culture around me. That's when I stumbled upon a small, tucked away stall run by an elderly woman who was selling an array of spices and herbs. Intrigued by her offerings, I struck up a conversation with her and soon found myself engrossed in tales of her culinary adventures.

She told me of her travels across South America, of the dishes she had sampled and the recipes she had collected along the way. She spoke with such passion and enthusiasm that I couldn't help but be drawn in. And when she handed me a slip of paper with the recipe for Cold South American Chicken written on it, I knew I had to try it out for myself.

Back at home, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. The scent of spices filled the air as I marinated the chicken in a blend of cumin, paprika, and garlic. I chopped up fresh vegetables and mixed them with a tangy lime dressing. And when everything was ready, I assembled it all together in a colorful display that looked almost too beautiful to eat.

As I took my first bite of the Cold South American Chicken, I was transported back to that bustling market in South America. The flavors danced on my tongue, each bite a symphony of spicy, tangy, and savory notes that left me craving for more. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so utterly delicious.

From that day on, Cold South American Chicken became a staple in my kitchen. It was a dish that never failed to impress, whether I was serving it to family and friends or simply enjoying it on a quiet evening at home. And every time I cooked it, I couldn't help but think back to that serendipitous moment in the market when I had stumbled upon the recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the recipes I have collected over the years, I am grateful for the experiences and stories that have shaped my love for cooking. Each recipe holds a memory, a connection to a moment in time that I hold dear in my heart. And Cold South American Chicken, with its vibrant flavors and rich history, will always hold a special place among them. It is a dish that embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery, a reminder that the joy of cooking lies not just in the taste of the food, but in the stories and traditions that accompany it.