Pollo Borracho

Cook: 60 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

Pollo Borracho features tender chicken cooked with onions, olives, and spices in sherry, creating rich, flavorful comfort food perfect for gatherings or special dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 lb. chicken, cut in pieces
  • 4 Tbsp. oil
  • 3 onions, cut in rings
  • 1/3 cup parsley
  • 2 tsp. sesame seed
  • 4 whole black peppers
  • 16 green olives
  • 1-inch stick cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry
  • 4 peeled green chiles
  • salt

Instructions

  1. Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into a Dutch oven or large casserole.
  2. Over low heat, add onion rings, parsley, sesame seed, whole black peppers, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaf. Mix well.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture.
  4. Pour over the chicken the remaining oil, vinegar, and sherry.
  5. Add the green olives, green chiles, and salt to taste.
  6. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, turning the chicken a few times. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
  7. Serve hot with steamed white rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in vinegar and sherry for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute green olives with black olives or capers if needed. If you like a bit more heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños. This dish also pairs well with other Mexican recipes like Mexican Chicken Lasagne.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pollo Borracho hot, accompanied by steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of refried beans or a fresh green salad complements the meal beautifully. This dish also pairs wonderfully with Mexican Chicken Manicotti for a hearty feast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Pollo Borracho can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pollo Borracho contains roughly 1665 calories, with 26g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1521mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).

1665 kcal 83% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 26.3g 53% DV
Total Fat 104.7g 100% DV
Carbs 164.9g 60% DV
Fiber 18.2g 65% DV
Sugar 77.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1520.6mg 66% DV
Potassium 1755.9mg 37% DV
Cholesterol 18.4mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 26.4mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 705mg 54% DV
Iron 17.9mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Sesame

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 chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces, which will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to approximately 30-40 minutes to ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy.

What can I serve with Pollo Borracho?

Pollo Borracho is best served with steamed white rice, but you can also enjoy it with warm tortillas, guacamole, or a side of black beans for a complete meal.

Is Pollo Borracho spicy?

This recipe has a mild flavor profile, but you can add spicy green chiles if you prefer more heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste while maintaining the balance of flavors.

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).

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