Chori Pollo Recipe
If you love Mexican cuisine, then you’re in for a treat with this Chori Pollo recipe. Chori Pollo, a delightful combination of spicy chorizo sausage and tender, juicy chicken, is a dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, Chori Pollo is sure to satisfy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making this flavorful dish, from selecting the right ingredients to serving it up with your favorite sides. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering Mexican classic!
What is Chori Pollo?
Chori Pollo is a popular Mexican dish that combines two main ingredients: chorizo and chicken (pollo). The chorizo, a spicy pork sausage seasoned with chili peppers and other spices, adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish, while the chicken provides a mild, tender contrast. The two ingredients are cooked together, allowing the flavors to meld into a savory, satisfying meal. Often served with rice, beans, and tortillas, Chori Pollo is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, prepare all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. If using link chorizo, remove the casing and break it into small pieces. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
2. Cook the Chorizo
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chorizo to the skillet. Cook the chorizo, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chorizo will release some of its flavorful oils, which will add richness to the dish. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the chorizo from the skillet, leaving the oils behind.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables in the chorizo oil until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The vegetables will soak up the flavors from the chorizo, adding depth to the dish. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Chicken
Once the vegetables are softened, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season the chicken with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
5. Combine Chicken and Chorizo
Return the cooked chorizo to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to combine. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step ensures that all the delicious flavors are incorporated into the dish. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the Chori Pollo is ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime juice adds a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich flavors of the chorizo and chicken.
Serving Suggestions for Chori Pollo
Chori Pollo is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
Rice and Beans
A classic combination, rice and beans are the perfect accompaniments to Chori Pollo. You can serve it with Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice, and refried beans or black beans for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Tortillas
Warm flour or corn tortillas are great for making Chori Pollo tacos. Simply spoon the chorizo and chicken mixture into a tortilla, add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, and enjoy!
Salad
A fresh, crisp salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Chori Pollo. It’s a great option if you’re looking to lighten up the meal.
Queso and Chips
Serve Chori Pollo with a side of warm queso dip and tortilla chips for a delicious, indulgent appetizer. The creamy queso complements the spiciness of the chorizo and chicken.
Tips for Making the Best Chori Pollo
Choose the Right Chorizo
Mexican chorizo is the star of this dish, so it’s important to choose the right kind. Look for fresh, uncooked chorizo rather than the cured Spanish variety. Fresh chorizo has a softer texture and a bolder flavor, which is essential for authentic Chori Pollo.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken can become dry and tough if overcooked, so keep an eye on it while it’s in the skillet. The chicken should be browned and cooked through but still tender and juicy.
Add Some Heat
If you like your food on the spicier side, feel free to add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños to the dish. Chori Pollo is meant to be bold and flavorful, so don’t be afraid to kick up the heat.
Make It Ahead
Chori Pollo is a great dish to make ahead of time. The flavors actually improve as the dish sits, making it a perfect option for meal prep or entertaining. Simply reheat the mixture in a skillet before serving.
Variations on Chori Pollo
Cheesy Chori Pollo
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheese over the Chori Pollo just before serving. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend all work well. You can also place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
Chori Pollo Enchiladas
Turn your Chori Pollo into enchiladas by rolling the mixture into corn tortillas, placing them in a baking dish, and covering them with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Chori Pollo Burritos
Make Chori Pollo burritos by wrapping the chicken and chorizo mixture in large flour tortillas along with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings. These burritos are perfect for a portable meal or a quick lunch.
Low-Carb Chori Pollo
If you’re following a low-carb diet, serve the Chori Pollo over a bed of cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. You can also skip the rice and beans and pair it with roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
Health Benefits of Chori Pollo
Protein-Packed Meal
Chori Pollo is a protein-rich dish thanks to the combination of chicken and chorizo. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making this dish a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Rich in Flavorful Fats
Chorizo adds not only flavor but also healthy fats to the dish. While chorizo is high in fat, it’s also rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.
Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Chicken provides essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium, while bell peppers are loaded with vitamins A and C. Garlic and onions also offer antioxidant properties, making Chori Pollo a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Type of Chorizo
As mentioned earlier, Mexican chorizo is the key ingredient in this dish. Using Spanish chorizo, which is cured and has a different texture and flavor, will not give you the authentic taste of Chori Pollo.
Overcrowding the Skillet
When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cooking the chicken in batches ensures that it browns properly and doesn’t steam, which can lead to a less flavorful dish.
Skipping the Deglazing Step
Deglazing the pan with chicken broth is an important step that should not be skipped. This process helps to lift the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, adding extra flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Chori Pollo is a delicious, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with rice and beans, in tacos, or as part of an enchilada, Chori Pollo is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. So why not give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen?
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier when cooked.
Q2: What type of chorizo should I use?
For authentic Chori Pollo, use Mexican chorizo, which is fresh and uncooked. Avoid using Spanish chorizo, which is cured and has a different texture and flavor.
Q3: Can I make Chori Pollo in advance?
Yes, Chori Pollo can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve as it sits. Simply reheat before serving.
Q4: Is Chori Pollo spicy?
Chori Pollo has a mild to moderate level of spiciness, depending on the chorizo you use. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or using a spicier chorizo.
Q5: What sides go well with Chori Pollo?
Chori Pollo pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice, beans, tortillas, salad, and queso dip.
Chori Pollo Recipe
If you love Mexican cuisine, then you’re in for a treat with this Chori Pollo recipe. Chori Pollo, a delightful combination of spicy chorizo sausage and tender, juicy chicken, is a dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, Chori Pollo is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 cutlets)
- 9 oz Mexican chorizo
- 7 oz Oaxaca cheese, shredded (or any melty cheese you prefer)
- ⅓ cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- 1 medium white onion (sliced)
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- 1 ½ tsp chipotle powder (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup chicken stock
Instructions
Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, cumin, garlic, and chipotle powder.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add the chorizo. Break with the back of a spoon and cook for 3 minutes.
Stir in the onions and cook over medium-low until nicely softened and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes).
Transfer chorizo and onions to a plate and cover with foil.
Wipe the pan with a paper towel, then heat the remaining oil.
Add chicken and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until nicely golden brown.
Return the chorizo and caramelized onions to the pan and distribute them all over. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water or chicken stock.
Cover the chicken with cheese, then drizzle with cream (read notes).
Cover the pan and set the heat to the lowest point on your stovetop. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbling (about 3 minutes).
Serve chori pollo with warm tortillas or your fav sides.