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.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and translucent.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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).

Step 7

Uncover the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve with warm corn tortillas or alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1858.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2764.9

Total Fat 149.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 486mg	0%
Sodium 3409.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 235.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.9g	0%
Total Sugars 34.9g
Protein 135.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 553.8mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 2787.9mg	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: 47.5%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 33.3%