Calabacitas Con Pollo
Calabacitas Con Pollo is a hearty Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, fresh squash, corn, and tomatoes, seasoned with cumin and garlic for a flavorful, colorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the chicken in a Dutch oven with a little olive oil.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion begins to get a little limp.
- Add chopped squash, corn, chopped tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes or until chicken and squash are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for an hour before cooking. If you can't find Mexican squash, zucchini works well as a substitute. Feel free to add bell peppers or jalapeños for extra heat. You can also use canned tomatoes with green chiles for a bit of spice. This dish is versatile, making it a great option for various chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Calabacitas Con Pollo warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added creaminess. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or warm tortillas. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or black beans. You might also enjoy it with a side of Tortilla Squares(Hors D'Oeuvre) for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calabacitas Con Pollo contains roughly 963 calories, with 28g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (499% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1222mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if using precooked chicken, ensuring it's heated through before serving.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Calabacitas Con Pollo is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making it an excellent choice for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor with vegetable broth and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).