Ancho-Chile Chicken Bites in Ancho-Chili Sauce

🌶️🍗 Ancho-Chile Chicken Bites in Ancho-Chili Sauce 🌶️🍗

What is it?
Ancho-Chile Chicken Bites in Ancho-Chili Sauce is a delicious and spicy dish that features bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful ancho-chili sauce. The star of this dish is the ancho chili, which is a dried poblano chili pepper known for its smoky, fruity flavor with a mild to medium heat level.

History:
The history of this dish can be traced back to Mexican cuisine, where chilies, especially ancho chilies, have been a staple for centuries. The use of ancho chilies in sauces and marinades is a traditional practice that adds depth and complexity to many dishes. This specific recipe is a modern fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with a twist of contemporary culinary creativity.

Components:

• Chicken Bites: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used. These are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy consumption.
• Ancho-Chili Sauce: The sauce consists of ancho chili peppers (dried or rehydrated), garlic, onions, tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika.
• Flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken.
• Oil for frying the chicken.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Ancho-Chili Sauce:

   • Start by rehydrating the ancho chilies. Remove the stems and seeds, then soak them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes.
   • While they soak, sauté chopped onions and garlic in a pan until they become translucent.
   • Blend the soaked ancho chilies with the sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices until you have a smooth sauce. You can add chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
   • Dredge the chicken in flour or cornstarch to create a crispy coating.

3. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain excess oil on paper towels.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Pour the Ancho-Chili Sauce over the fried chicken bites and toss to coat.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for extra flavor.

Time Needed:
The total time to prepare Ancho-Chile Chicken Bites in Ancho-Chili Sauce is approximately 45-60 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It may take a bit longer if you’re rehydrating dried ancho chilies.

Enjoy your flavorful Ancho-Chile Chicken Bites with a spicy kick of ancho-chili sauce! 🌶️🍗🔥

Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for Ancho-Chile Chicken Bites in Ancho-Chili Sauce:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 300-350 calories
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Fiber: 2-4 grams
• Sodium: 600-700 milligrams

Health Information:

1. Protein: The chicken in this dish is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.

2. Calories: The calorie content may vary depending on factors like the size of chicken bites and the amount of sauce used. It’s a moderately calorie-dense dish.

3. Fat: While some fat is needed for flavor and nutrient absorption, it’s essential to be mindful of the cooking oil used. Consider using healthier options like olive oil.

4. Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the coating on the chicken and the natural sugars in the tomatoes. It’s a moderate carbohydrate content.

5. Fiber: There is a small amount of fiber from the vegetables and the ancho chilies in the sauce. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health.

6. Sodium: The sodium content may be relatively high due to the use of salt and chicken broth. Consider using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing salt for a healthier option.

7. Vitamins and Minerals: The sauce may provide vitamins and minerals from the ancho chilies, garlic, and onions. These can include vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and others.

8. Spices and Herbs: The use of spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika can add flavor without adding extra calories or sodium.

9. Variations: To make this dish healthier, you can consider baking the chicken instead of frying it and using less oil in the sauce. Additionally, using whole-grain flour or cornstarch can increase the fiber content.

10. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake. Pair this dish with a side of vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.

Remember that specific nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients and portions used, so it’s a good practice to check labels and use online nutrition calculators for precise information. Enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🍗🌶️🥗