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Mexican Chicken Adobo Recipe

Mexican Chicken Adobo Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes - 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor the rich, tangy depths of Mexican chicken adobo, a culinary treasure that dances with bold spices and tender meat. Hearty flavors and traditional techniques blend seamlessly, inviting you to explore the soul of Mexican home cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 lb chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Blend chipotle peppers, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, vinegar, olive oil, tomato paste, lime juice, and chicken broth in a food processor until smooth, creating a vibrant adobo marinade.
  2. Place chicken thighs and breasts in a large resealable bag, pour marinade over the meat, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F and remove chicken from marinade, reserving the excess liquid for basting.
  4. Transfer chicken to a baking dish, add bay leaves, and cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  5. Roast covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally with reserved marinade until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Remove bay leaves before serving and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and ensure tender, succulent meat.
  7. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and rich, juicy results that melt in your mouth.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chipotle peppers, allowing flexibility for heat-sensitive palates or spice enthusiasts.
  • Consider gluten-free option by verifying chicken broth ingredients and using certified gluten-free products for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 2-4 hours
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg