Recipe: Chicken Almendrado
Description:
Chicken Almendrado is a mouthwatering Mexican delicacy featuring a luscious garlic sauce enriched with almonds, reflecting a distinct Spanish influence. With the flexibility to adjust the level of spiciness to suit your palate, this dish promises a delightful culinary adventure.
Key Information:
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Mexican, Spicy, Weeknight, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
- Calories: 600.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 43.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 133mg
- Sodium Content: 644.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 13.1g
- Fiber Content: 2.8g
- Sugar Content: 4.5g
- Protein Content: 39.6g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 2 1/2 – 3 | Chicken pieces |
| 1 | Onion |
| 4 cloves | Garlic |
| 2 | Serrano chilies |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| To taste | Black pepper |
| Garlic | |
| 2 cups | Cilantro |
| 1/2 cup | Steamed rice |
Instructions:
-
Brown Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden and flavorful. -
Add Aromatics:
Stir in chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced serrano chilies to the pot. Allow them to sauté until fragrant, infusing the chicken with layers of flavor. -
Season Chicken:
Sprinkle the chicken generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well seasoned for maximum taste. -
Simmer:
Pour in the chicken stock, covering the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer gently for approximately 1 hour or until it becomes tender and succulent. -
Prepare Almond Paste:
Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine almonds, sliced garlic, and 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the pot. Process the ingredients until they form a coarse paste, releasing their aromatic essence. -
Thicken Sauce:
Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Pour the almond paste into the pot, stirring well to incorporate it into the flavorful sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer until it reduces and thickens to perfection. -
Serve:
Arrange the tender chicken pieces on a serving platter. Drizzle the rich almond-infused sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated with its savory goodness. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. -
Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Almendrado hot, accompanied by steamed rice to soak up all the delicious flavors. Indulge in every bite of this aromatic dish, savoring the fusion of Mexican and Spanish influences in every mouthful.
Chef’s Tips:
- For a milder version, deseed the serrano chilies before adding them to the dish.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less almond paste, according to your preference.
- Serve leftovers the next day for an even more intensified flavor experience as the spices meld together overnight.
With its tantalizing blend of flavors and textures, Chicken Almendrado is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Prepare to delight your taste buds with this unforgettable culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Mexico. 🍗🌶️🇲🇽
