Description
This Mexican Chicken Adobo is a rich, smoky, and deeply flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a bold adobo sauce made from dried chilies, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Slow-simmered to perfection, this dish is perfect for serving over rice, with warm tortillas, or alongside fresh avocado slices. A true taste of authentic Mexican cuisine!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
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Prepare the Chilies: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo and ancho chilies for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes until softened.
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Blend the Adobo Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, tomatoes, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Simmer in Sauce: Pour the blended adobo sauce over the chicken. Add the bay leaf, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Serve & Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf and serve the chicken adobo with warm tortillas, rice, or fresh avocado slices.
Notes
- Adjust Heat Level: For extra spice, add a dried chipotle chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it Smokier: Use smoked paprika or fire-roasted tomatoes for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce deepens in flavor over time!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican