If you’re craving something bursting with bold, mouthwatering flavors and easy to prepare, Chori Pollo is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful dish combines succulent chicken with spicy chorizo, creating a harmony of tastes that will have you savoring every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings warmth, zest, and comfort to your plate, perfect for any meal today.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory flavor fusion: The combination of chorizo and chicken offers a rich, irresistible taste that’s hard to beat.
- Quick and easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile meal option: You can serve it as a main dish, taco filling, or even in a sandwich.
- Comfort food made healthy: Lean chicken paired with flavorful spices keeps it both nutritious and satisfying.
- Perfect for sharing: It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people together at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential for crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in Chori Pollo. Each component enhances the dish’s savory depth and vibrant color, making your meal irresistible.
- Boneless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they soak up the rich flavors beautifully.
- Chorizo sausage: Adds spice and smoky depth, the star seasoning in this dish.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amplifies the savory aroma and taste.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when sautéed.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a warm, slightly smoky undertone that complements the chorizo.
- Olive oil: Helps create that perfect sear and carries the spices well.
- Fresh cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal finish to brighten the dish.
- Lemon or lime juice: Adds tanginess that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Variations
The beauty of Chori Pollo is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste buds, dietary needs, or available ingredients. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own.
- Spicy upgrade: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder for extra heat.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute chicken with hearty mushrooms and use vegan chorizo to keep the spice alive.
- Cheesy delight: Mix in shredded cheese like Manchego or cheddar during the last minutes of cooking.
- Herb variation: Swap cilantro for fresh parsley or oregano for a different herbal profile.
- Rice bowl style: Serve over seasoned rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal option.
How to Make Chori Pollo
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and removing the casing from the chorizo for easy crumbling. Finely chop the onion and garlic to enhance their flavor release during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and crumble the chorizo into the pan. Cook until crisp and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the cooked chorizo and set aside, leaving the seasoned oil for later steps.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent and aromatic, about 3 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base essential for the dish’s rich flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the pan and season it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chorizo to the pan with the chicken. Stir everything together so the flavors meld nicely. Remove from heat and squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice for a lively finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve immediately. The herbs add a vibrant color contrast and fresh flavor that brighten the dish beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Chori Pollo
- Use thigh meat: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, unlike lean breast meat that can dry out.
- Don’t skip the paprika: It’s key for that authentic smoky flavor that enhances the chorizo.
- Cook chorizo first: This renders out the flavorful fat, which then seasons the entire dish.
- Fresh citrus is crucial: A squeeze of lemon or lime cuts through the richness for balance.
- Adjust spice levels: Add peppers or hot sauce gradually so it suits your heat tolerance perfectly.
How to Serve Chori Pollo
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish, but feel free to add thinly sliced red onions, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of queso fresco to elevate the presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Chori Pollo pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas for tacos, fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp side salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish layered in a burrito bowl, stuffed into pita pockets, or atop crisp tostadas for a fun and interactive meal experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chori Pollo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked dish in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, helping to keep the dish juicy and tender.
Is chorizo always spicy?
Chorizo can range from mild to spicy depending on the variety, so choose one that suits your preferred heat level.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just ensure any sides or additional sauces you add are free from gluten.
How long does it take to prepare Chori Pollo?
This recipe typically takes around 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and flavorful option.
Is Chori Pollo suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It stores well and can be reheated easily, making it perfect for preparing in advance for busy days.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a go-to recipe for Chori Pollo, it’s time to bring those bold, satisfying flavors onto your plate. Whether you keep it simple or get creative with sides and garnishes, this dish promises a delicious, comforting experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Go ahead, savor the magic of chorizo and chicken cooked just right today!
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Chori Pollo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chori Pollo is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs with spicy chorizo sausage, enhanced by smoky paprika, fresh garlic, and brightened with citrus and cilantro. This easy-to-prepare recipe delivers a perfect balance of bold and comforting flavors, ideal for quick weeknight meals or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 6 oz chorizo sausage, casing removed
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and remove the casing from the chorizo for easy crumbling. Finely chop the onion and garlic to enhance their flavor release during cooking.
- Cook the Chorizo: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and crumble the chorizo into the pan. Cook until crisp and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the cooked chorizo and set aside, leaving the seasoned oil in the pan.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent and aromatic, about 3 minutes, building the aromatic base essential for the dish’s rich flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chorizo to the pan with the chicken. Stir everything together so the flavors meld nicely. Remove from heat and squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice for a lively finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve immediately, adding a fresh, vibrant color and flavor to the dish.
Notes
- Use thigh meat to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Don’t skip the smoked paprika for authentic smoky flavor.
- Cook chorizo first to render flavorful fat that seasons the dish.
- Fresh citrus juice balances the richness perfectly.
- Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños or cayenne gradually.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months, thaw overnight before reheating gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg