Chicken Caliente

Turn up the heat in your kitchen with Chicken Caliente, a bold and flavorful skillet dish that’s perfect for spice lovers! Juicy, tender chicken thighs are seared to perfection and simmered in a smoky, tangy sauce made with diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers in adobo, and aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The dish gets a fiery kick from jalapeños and a pop of brightness from cilantro and lime. Packed with layers of smoky, zesty, and savory flavors, this one-pan recipe is ready in just 45 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm tortillas for a truly satisfying meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. Perfect for those craving Mexican-inspired comfort food!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium jalapeño, chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 pieces chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 medium lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with half of the salt, black pepper, and cumin powder on both sides.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the red bell pepper, jalapeño, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chipotle peppers, paprika, chili powder, and the remaining cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a simmer and return the seared chicken thighs to the pan. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat.

Step 7

Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 8

Remove the lid and allow the sauce to thicken slightly for an additional 3-4 minutes, if desired.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm with lime wedges on the side. Pair with rice, tortillas, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1630.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1866.1

Total Fat 108.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 757.9mg	0%
Sodium 4237.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 51.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 24.8g
Protein 168.0g	0%

Vitamin D 42IU	0%
Calcium 326.4mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 3165.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.7%

Protein: 36.2%

Carbs: 11.1%