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Mexican Chicken Adobo

Delicious Mexican Chicken Adobo for Your Family Table

Enjoy the smoky, spicy flavors of Mexican Chicken Adobo, a comforting and versatile family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 legs bone-in chicken legs Provides a juicy, flavorful base
  • 4 thighs bone-in chicken thighs Adds richness and tenderness
For the Sauce
  • 1 tsp salt Essential for enhancing flavors
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper Essential for enhancing flavors
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Used for sautéing
  • 1 medium onion Small brown or yellow onion recommended
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes Contributes acidity and sweetness
  • 4 cloves garlic Infuses a fragrant aroma
  • 3 pieces dried guajillo chiles Key for authentic flavor
  • 2 pieces dried ancho or chipotle chile Adjust to heat preference
  • 2 pieces dried pasilla or New Mexico chiles Complements other chiles
  • 4 cups chicken broth Enhances overall flavor
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Adds acidity and enhances flavor
  • 1 tsp sea salt or kosher salt Necessary for seasoning
  • 1 tsp ground cumin Introduces warm undertones
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Imparts a herbal quality
  • 1 tsp dried coriander Enhances complexity of flavors
  • 1 pinch ground cloves Adds warmth and depth
  • 2 leaves bay leaves Infuses a subtle herbal note
  • 1 bunch cilantro For garnish
Optional Additions
  • 4 pieces tortillas Corn or flour
  • 1 medium avocado For serving

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat chicken legs and thighs dry, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven, add onion, sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in tomatoes and garlic, cooking until softened.
  4. Add dried chiles and chicken broth; bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Cool slightly, then blend the sauce until smooth.
  6. Brown chicken in the Dutch oven, then remove and set aside.
  7. Return blended sauce to pot, add bay leaves, and add browned chicken.
  8. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve with cilantro and optional sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, consider preparing the sauce a day in advance and reheat before serving.

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