Chicken Pipian Breast
A flavorful chicken dish with a rich peanut and tomato sauce, infused with coriander and green peppers, perfect for a comforting meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry chicken breasts in olive oil until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from pan. In the same oil, fry chopped onions, garlic, green pepper, and ground coriander.
- Remove vegetables from pan and drain excess oil.
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Add some chicken broth and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, blend the cooked onions, green pepper, and garlic with some broth until smooth.
- Add peanut butter and tomato paste to the blended mixture and blend to a gravy-like consistency.
- Pour this sauce over the chicken and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot over white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of chili powder to the sauce for extra zest. If you don't have peanut butter, tahini can be a suitable alternative, or even almond butter for a different nutty flavor. Make sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, especially if you're pairing this dish with rice or other sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Pipian hot over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the rich sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a complete Mexican-inspired feast, consider serving it alongside Chicken Fajitas or Enchiladas De Pollo.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 and warm gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pipian Breast contains roughly 678 calories, with 29g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 769mg per serving (33% 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 boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They will add more moisture and flavor to the dish due to their higher fat content. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure that the peanut butter is free from additives that may contain animal products.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little more chicken or vegetable broth until you reach the desired consistency. You can also incorporate a splash of water, but broth will enhance the flavor even further.
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).