Pollo En Adobo: A Flavorful Mexican Dish
Introduction
Pollo en adobo is a traditional Mexican dish that is popular in many parts of the world. It is a flavorful and spicy chicken dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or a weekend dinner. The dish is made up of marinated chicken that is grilled or roasted over an open flame, and then served with rice, beans, and fresh salsa. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe for making pollo en adobo at home, as well as some tips and tricks for perfecting the dish.Ingredients
To make pollo en adobo, you will need the following ingredients:- 2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 tbsp. cumin powder
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To prepare the chicken for the marinade, you will need to rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a separate bowl, mix together the white vinegar, orange juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss the chicken pieces until they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight.Step 4: Grill or Roast the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If you are grilling the chicken, you may want to skewer the chicken pieces to make them easier to handle.Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Grill or roast the chicken for 10-15 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until they are fully cooked and slightly charred. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F.Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pollo en adobo hot with rice, beans, and fresh salsa. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.Nutrition
Pollo en adobo is a relatively healthy dish that is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates. One serving of pollo en adobo (4 oz. chicken) contains approximately:- Calories: 180
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect pollo en adobo:- Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight, for maximum flavor.
- Grill or roast the chicken over medium-high heat to get a nice char without overcooking the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Serve the pollo en adobo with rice, beans, and fresh salsa for a complete meal.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor and freshness.