Pollo en Mojo Recipe 🍗🥣
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Pollo en Mojo is a delightful dish hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of the Canary Islands. Each eatery boasts its own unique spin on this flavorful chicken recipe, reflecting the diverse interpretations of the beloved “mojo” sauce. This rendition captures the essence of traditional Canary Island cuisine, offering a tantalizing blend of spices and succulent chicken. Marinated to perfection and cooked to juicy perfection, it’s a dish that promises to transport your taste buds to sun-kissed shores. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this Pollo en Mojo recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 fryer chicken
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cayenne peppers
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mojo Sauce:
- Using a mortar and pestle, mash garlic and sea salt until creamy.
- Add dried cayenne peppers and cumin seeds to the garlic mixture, and continue to mash until well combined.
- Stir in the paprika until evenly distributed.
- Gradually pour in the olive oil while mixing continuously to create a smooth paste.
- Finally, add the red wine vinegar and mix until the sauce is well incorporated.
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the Mojo sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. (Tip: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating overnight.)
-
Cook the Chicken:
- If using marinated chicken from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the skillet.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 20 minutes for bone-in pieces and 15 minutes for boneless, skinless breasts.
- Alternatively, the chicken can also be grilled over medium heat until cooked to perfection.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, transfer the Pollo en Mojo to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of additional Mojo sauce, if desired.
- Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or salad.
- Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Canary Islands with each delicious bite!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 488.2
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5g
- Cholesterol: 131.6mg
- Sodium: 125.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Protein: 41.2g
Tips and Variations:
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the Mojo sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows for quick and easy meal prep during busy weekdays.
- Freezing: Marinate the chicken as instructed, then freeze it for later use. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for even more flavor infusion.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne peppers to suit your spice preferences. For a milder flavor, reduce the quantity or omit them altogether.
- Grilling Option: Take your Pollo en Mojo to the next level by grilling the marinated chicken outdoors. The smoky char adds an extra dimension of flavor to this already delicious dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Pollo en Mojo with traditional Canary Island accompaniments like Canarian potatoes (papas arrugadas) and mojo sauce for dipping. Alternatively, pair it with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables for a lighter meal option.
Bon Appétit! 🌟 Enjoy the flavors of the Canary Islands with this mouthwatering Pollo en Mojo recipe!
