If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold, smoky flavors and satisfying heartiness, then the Chori Pollo Recipe is just what you need to brighten up your dinner table. This vibrant combination of tender chicken and spicy chorizo sausage creates a perfect balance between savory richness and aromatic spices. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe brings a festive flair that is quick to prepare yet incredibly flavorful, making it a staple to keep in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Chori Pollo recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each component plays a vital role in delivering irresistible taste, texture, and a pop of color. From smoky spices to fresh herbs, every element is essential for that authentic, mouthwatering experience.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb): Choose boneless and skinless pieces for easy cooking and tender bites.
- Chorizo sausage (1/2 lb): The heart of this dish, this spicy sausage adds rich, smoky flavor and juicy fat.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing ingredients and building layers of flavor.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a bit of zing.
- Bell pepper, diced (1): Adds a crunchy texture and vibrant color contrast.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle heat and complexity to the chicken seasoning.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthiness that perfectly complements the chorizo.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a smoky, slightly sweet depth that defines the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps create a flavorful sauce and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Provides a bright, refreshing garnish to finish the dish.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing over to add a zesty, tangy finish.
How to Make Chori Pollo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chorizo
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it begins to brown and releases its flavorful oils. This step is crucial because the rendered fat will coat everything and infuse the entire dish with that irresistible smoky richness.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add your chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté this colorful mix for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften. This helps to build a lovely base of sweetness and texture that perfectly complements the meat.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
Now comes the star: the chicken. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make sure every morsel is packed with flavor. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly and turns juicy and tender without drying out.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Once the chicken is cooked through, pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all elements. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a comforting, slightly saucy mixture that coats every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro generously over the dish, and serve alongside lime wedges. The cilantro adds a fresh vibrancy, while the lime cuts through the richness for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
How to Serve Chori Pollo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice are the ultimate garnishes for this Chori Pollo recipe. They add brightness and a subtle herbal note that elevates the dish beautifully. Don’t be shy with these— they transform the dish from hearty to vibrant.
Side Dishes
Chori Pollo is fantastic with fluffy white rice or warm corn tortillas, because they soak up the delicious juices perfectly. You can also pair it with black beans or a fresh avocado salad to bring in extra creaminess and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish as a filling for tacos or burritos and top with diced onions, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and a drizzle of crema. Alternatively, pile it over a bed of Mexican street corn salad for an indulgent, festive meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chori Pollo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as fantastic when reheated, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze Chori Pollo by placing it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal anytime with minimum effort.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps keep the chicken tender and prevents it from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of chorizo?
While chorizo is key to achieving the authentic smoky and spicy flavor in this Chori Pollo recipe, you can substitute with other spiced sausages if needed, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe has a pleasant, moderate spice level thanks to chili powder and chorizo. You can adjust the heat by choosing milder or spicier chorizo or altering the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Chori Pollo recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, just be sure to check that the chorizo and chicken broth you use are certified gluten-free.
What is the best cut of chicken to use?
Both boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well here. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if you slightly overcook, while breasts offer leaner meat. Either will make this dish delicious.
Can I cook this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Yes, the Chori Pollo recipe is excellent for meal prep. It stores beautifully and reheats well, making it a convenient and flavorful option for busy weeknight meals or packed lunches.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this vibrant and comforting Chori Pollo recipe a whirl in your kitchen. It’s a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a meal bursting with flavor and personality. Whether you’re new to cooking with chorizo or a seasoned fan, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.
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Chori Pollo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Chori Pollo is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender chicken pieces with spicy chorizo sausage, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it features a balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, garnished with fresh cilantro and tangy lime wedges, ideal for serving with tortillas, rice, or as a taco filling.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, casing removed
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Chorizo: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 4-5 minutes until it starts to brown and releases its oils, creating a flavorful base.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly reduces.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish and serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of fresh acidity. Chori Pollo pairs beautifully with warm tortillas, steamed rice, or as a taco or burrito filling.
Notes
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference; thighs will offer more moisture and tenderness.
- Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika quantities to control the spice level.
- For a richer flavor, let the chorizo render its fat fully before adding vegetables.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
- This dish is versatile and can be customized with additional vegetables like corn or tomatoes.
