Chicken Machaca Recipe
Overview:
Prepare a savory Chicken Machaca dish that bursts with flavors from the Southwestern U.S. Perfect for a cozy meal with loved ones, this recipe combines tender chicken breast with vibrant bell peppers and zesty tomatoes and chilies, all seasoned to perfection. It’s a delightful blend of spicy and comforting, ready in under an hour.
- Cuisine: Southwestern U.S.
- Course: Main Course
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 1 can of tomatoes and green chilies
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional for juicier machaca)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 148.3
- Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 68.4mg
- Sodium: 377.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.1g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 28.1g
Instructions:
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Prepare Chicken: Start by removing any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
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Boil Chicken and Bell Pepper: In a pot, boil the chicken breasts and half a bell pepper for 10-15 minutes, or until they are easy to tear apart.
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Shred Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken cool until it’s only warm to the touch. Then, shred it as thinly and as long as possible. This ensures a tender and flavorful texture for your machaca.
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Cook Machaca: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded chicken, canned tomatoes and green chilies, and chili powder. If you desire a juicier machaca, incorporate half a cup of salsa into the mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken absorbs the flavors and turns slightly tomato-colored.
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Serve: Your Chicken Machaca is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with tortillas and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices or marinade before boiling.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding hot sauce to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this Chicken Machaca recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and hearty texture. Enjoy the taste of the Southwest in every bite! 🌶️🍗