Pollo Rojo Red Pepper Chicken

Why We Love This Pollo Rojo Recope

This easy Pollo Rojo, aka Red Pepper Chicken, is a simple chicken mole recipe that features a bold, deeply smokey, and mildly spicy, red pepper sauce, made out of reconstituted (rehydrated) New Mexico chiles. Rehydrating dried chiles unleashes a mass of flavor and untold possibilities. I have a certain endearment to chile peppers. Although I love spicy food, that is not the reason for my appreciation. My love for chiles has more to do with their color, intensity, versatility and universal appeal. Every country, every culinary endeavor throughout history, has been affected by the chile pepper. Even European cuisine, although generally considered mild and rich, has been deeply influenced by this ancient self-pollinating crop. This chicken in chile sauce offers a rustic quality with a touch of sweetness that makes the chicken ridiculously exciting. Red pepper sauce is a brilliant sauce for the Pollo Rojo (Red Pepper Chicken) but is fantastic on beef and pork as well! This Pollo Rojo (Red Pepper Chicken) recipe is a family favorite, full of healthy goodness and warming spice!

Are There Benefits to Cooking with Chiles?

In certain regions, chiles have a long legacy as a dietary staple. More than just heat, chile peppers lend vibrance to otherwise boring dishes. They offer deep smoky flavor, sweetness, and even the acidic note that certain dishes need. As for versatility, chile peppers are used for all sorts of things around the world including: warding off pests in fields, as dyes, and to keep feet warm in socks. Loaded with Vitamin C and Capsaicin, (a powerful antioxidant) they are thought to cure:

Migraines Sinus Issues intestinal disease Heart Attacks Cancer Stomach Ulcers High Blood Pressure Toothaches Joint Pain Promote Weight Loss

I love to grow fresh peppers in the summer. But this time of year, I rely heavily on the dried varieties.

Ingredients You Need

For the Sauce

New Mexico Dried Chiles – Like Anaheims or California red chiles. Garlic – Whole garlic cloves work well. Chicken Stock – Or chicken broth, for a savory flavor! Cumin – Adds a latin-inspired flavor. Honey – To balance out the smoky and spicy flavors. Rice Vinegar – For a slight tang! Salt – To taste.

For the Chicken

Chicken Cutlets – You can use chicken breasts and cut them into thinner pieces. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs. Oil & Butter – To sauté the chicken. You can use any cooking oil including olive oil or vegetable oil. Salt & Pepper – To taste!

How to Make This Pollo Rojo Recipe

Prepare a bowl of boiling hot water. Place the chiles in the water and allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes, until soft to the touch. Remove the stems, seeds and membranes, rinsing each pepper in the bowl. Then place in a food processor or blender. Add the garlic cloves and half the chicken stock. Puree until smooth. Then add the cumin, honey, vinegar, salt and remaining stock. Blend again until smooth. Taste and salt again if needed. The sauce should have a very intense flavor, but not be overly spicy if the seeds and membranes are properly removed. Pro Tip! If you don’t have a high-powered food processor or blender, you might have some chunks in the sauce. For a super smooth sauce, pour the sauce through a strainer and stew until warm enough to serve. Heat a large skillet to medium heat or medium high heat. Pat the chicken cutlets dry and salt and pepper on both sides. Add the oil and butter to the skillet. Once melted, place half the cutlets into the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining cutlets. To serve, warm the red pepper sauce in a pot and pour the mixture over the chicken. Garnish with cilantro leaves and queso fresco and enjoy! Pro Tip! If you are using chicken thighs, after searing on both sides, you can simmer them in the red sauce until cooked all the way through!

Serving Suggestions

This chicken with red pepper sauce is a delicious main meal that can be served with a variety of side dishes! Don’t forget some fresh sides, too, like avocados and a lime wedges! Serve this pollo rojo recipe with some of my personal favorites:

Black Beans Corn Tortillas Pupusas Spanish Rice Cabbage Slaw Refried Beans