Unique Authentic Mexican Chicken
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Unique Authentic Mexican Chicken recipe, a hearty and aromatic dish that promises to delight your taste buds. Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of freshly squeezed lime and orange juice, infused with garlic, earthy spices like cumin and smoked paprika, and a hint of warming cinnamon. After a golden sear, the chicken is simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, enhanced with low-sodium chicken broth and fragrant onions, creating a mouthwatering depth of flavor. Perfectly tender and bursting with smoky-sweet and tangy notes, this dish is a showstopper served with warm corn tortillas or fluffy steamed rice. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick simmer, it's an authentic Mexican dining experience right in your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
- 8 pieces corn tortillas (for serving, optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. If short on time, set aside at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and translucent.
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet (ensure it comes to a boil to avoid any raw juices). Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Uncover the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve with warm corn tortillas or alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2765 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 149.2 g | 191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.1 g | 181% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 486 mg | 162% | |
| Sodium | 3410 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 235.7 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.9 g | 118% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.9 g | ||
| Protein | 135.9 g | 272% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 554 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 2788 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
