Pollo Aquascalientes
Pollo Aquascalientes features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato broth with spices, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in olive oil in a deep heavy pot, such as cast iron, for 15 to 20 minutes, turning to brown evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion, tomatoes, lemon juice, sugar, salt, oregano, chili powder, pepper, and red pepper over the chicken.
- Cover the pot and turn down the heat to a strong simmer.
- Cook for another 45 to 60 minutes until the chicken is very tender.
- Serve the chicken on the side with the broth in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the broth with basil or serve together in a large soup bowl.
- Garnish with basil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking. If tomatoes are out of season, substitute with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for a more tender result. Adjust the chili powder to control the spice level according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pollo Aquascalientes with a side of warm tortillas or rice to soak up the flavorful broth. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or Mexican street corn for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider topping it with low-fat sour cream for a creamy contrast. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pollo Aquascalientes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pollo Aquascalientes contains roughly 107 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg per serving (26% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats like pork or beef. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Note that beef might require a longer cooking time to become tender, while pork could be cooked similarly to chicken.
What can I do if I want a spicier broth?
To add more heat to the broth, increase the amount of chili powder or add chopped fresh jalapeños or other hot peppers. You could also mix in some Enchilada Sauce Or Red Chile For Stew to enhance the flavor and spice level.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make Pollo Aquascalientes in a slow cooker, brown the chicken in olive oil first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
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).