New Mexican Chicken
A hearty New Mexican chicken dish with savory rice, vegetables, and bold flavors, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 frying chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2) can tomatoes (2 1/2 cups) ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms (about 1/2 cup) ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups boiling water ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry the chicken in oil and butter until delicately browned.
- Remove the chicken from the pan.
- Add salt, pepper, and uncooked rice to the oil and butter in the pan.
- Fry the rice until golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, mushrooms, and boiling water to the pan.
- Return the browned chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in spices such as cumin and paprika beforehand. If you want to save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead. You can also substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. Adding a bit of lime juice can elevate the dish's flavor, similar to how it's used in Pepper-Lime Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this New Mexican Chicken over a bed of fresh cilantro-lime rice for a delightful contrast. It pairs wonderfully with a side of black beans or a fresh salad, like Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad. For added flavor, top with fresh avocado or a dollop of sour cream. It's a fantastic centerpiece for any Mexican recipes night.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Mexican Chicken contains roughly 756 calories, with 12g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2317mg per serving (101% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. You should also increase the amount of water to about 3 cups and simmer for 45 minutes instead of 30. This will give you a heartier dish with more nutrients.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If you prefer not to use canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes. About 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, diced, can be used in place of the canned variety. Just make sure to cook them down a bit longer to ensure they break down and create a sauce-like consistency.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the heat level according to your preference. For a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper while cooking. This way, you can customize it to your taste, making it perfect for those who enjoy spicier chicken recipes.
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).