Acapulco Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful and Quick Weeknight Delight
Description:
Easy, fast, healthy, and delicious! This perfect weeknight dish takes less than 30 minutes, so it’s a regular in our house. You can vary the heat by the kind and amount of chile powder and hot peppers you use. Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired.
Recipe Category: Chicken Breast
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Mexican, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 30 Mins
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- Optional: Jalapeno peppers and hot pepper sauce for added heat
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 126.9
- Fat Content: 4.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 34.2mg
- Sodium Content: 87.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 7g
- Fiber Content: 2.3g
- Sugar Content: 3.3g
- Protein Content: 14.9g
Servings: 4
Instructions:
- Season chicken with 1/2 tablespoon chile powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté seasoned chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, or until no longer pink.
- Remove chicken from the skillet with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry bell pepper and onion until soft.
- Add jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, remaining 1/2 tablespoon chile powder, and hot pepper sauce (if using).
- Cook, stirring, for an additional 3 to 5 minutes; add chicken and stir-fry for 2 minutes more.
Detailed Cooking Process:
Preparation:
- Gathering Ingredients: Start by ensuring you have all the ingredients ready and within reach. This step helps to make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- Chopping Vegetables: Chop the green bell pepper and onion into bite-sized pieces. For the tomatoes, you can choose to dice them finely or keep them in larger chunks depending on your preference. If you are using jalapeno peppers, slice them thinly to distribute the heat evenly throughout the dish.
Seasoning the Chicken:
- Seasoning: Take the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves and season them with 1/2 tablespoon of chile powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. This initial seasoning is crucial as it forms the base flavor for the chicken.
- Spice Adjustment: The amount of chile powder can be adjusted based on your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the chile powder, or if you enjoy a spicier dish, feel free to add more or use a hotter variety of chile powder.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heating the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Olive oil is a healthy fat choice that also adds a nice flavor to the dish.
- Sautéing the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. This step ensures that the chicken is cooked through but still juicy and tender.
Preparing the Vegetables:
- Removing the Chicken: Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm. You can cover it with aluminum foil or place it in a warm oven.
- Stir-Frying the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped green bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry until they are soft and slightly caramelized. This should take about 5 minutes. The caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, adding depth to the dish.
Combining Ingredients:
- Adding Heat: If you like your dish spicy, now is the time to add the sliced jalapeno peppers. Stir them in with the vegetables and cook for another minute.
- Incorporating Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, along with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of chile powder and a dash of hot pepper sauce (if desired). The tomatoes will release their juices, creating a flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Final Touches:
- Returning the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the vegetables and sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
- Serving: Serve the Acapulco Chicken hot. It pairs wonderfully with hot cooked rice, which soaks up the flavorful juices from the dish. You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations and Tips:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative. The cooking time might need slight adjustments.
- Different Peppers: Experiment with different types of peppers like red bell pepper or poblano pepper for a unique flavor twist.
- Additional Spices: Add cumin or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. These spices complement the chile powder and enhance the overall taste.
- Garnishing: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving to add a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.
Health Benefits:
Acapulco Chicken is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for a weeknight meal. Here are some of the health benefits:
- Low Cholesterol: With only 34.2 mg of cholesterol per serving, this dish is suitable for those managing their cholesterol levels.
- Rich in Protein: Each serving provides 14.9 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- High in Fiber: The vegetables in this dish contribute to the 2.3 grams of fiber per serving, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Low in Calories: At just 126.9 calories per serving, this meal is light yet satisfying, making it ideal for those watching their calorie intake.
Conclusion
Acapulco Chicken is a versatile, quick, and healthy recipe that can easily become a staple in your household. Its flexibility with spice levels allows it to cater to various palates, making it a crowd-pleaser. With a perfect balance of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and robust flavors, it’s a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy this dish over a bed of hot cooked rice or with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying dinner.
