Chicken Costa Brava(Mexican Chicken)
A vibrant Mexican-inspired chicken dish featuring pineapple, olives, and warm spices, perfect for those craving bold flavors and a satisfying, colorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple slices and reserve the juice.
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and brown them in oil.
- Combine cumin and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the chicken.
- Add minced garlic and quartered onion; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the reserved pineapple juice, stewed tomatoes, and salsa. Add olives.
- Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the reserved pineapple juice for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicier salsa. You can substitute the olives with capers for a different briny flavor, or use fresh herbs like cilantro for a fresh finish. This recipe also works well with chicken thighs for a more tender result.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Costa Brava over a bed of rice or alongside warm tortillas to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of refried beans or a scoop of guacamole. You can also browse more Mexican recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it is heated evenly without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Costa Brava(Mexican Chicken) contains roughly 2093 calories, with 16g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 168g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), iron (104% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the flavors meld better. If you're short on time, you can also cook them directly from frozen; just increase the cooking time to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of simmering, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove until warmed through. This dish is great for meal prep and makes for easy weeknight dinners.
What can I substitute if I don't have salsa?
If you don't have salsa on hand, you can make a quick substitute by combining canned diced tomatoes with a bit of lime juice, chopped onions, and jalapeños. Alternatively, a mix of tomato sauce with some spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder can also work well as a replacement.
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).