Best Achiote Chicken With Queso Fresco Recipes

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YUCATáN CHICKEN WITH ACHIOTE



Yucatán Chicken with Achiote image

Categories     Chicken     Side     Marinate     Kosher

Yield makes 8 tacos

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano, toasted and ground
16 cloves garlic, dry-roasted (page 158)
1 or 2 habanero chiles, dry-roasted (page 154), stemmed, and seeded (use more chiles and/or leave seeds if want more heat)
2 teaspoons achiote paste (page 149)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon lemon-infused olive oil (page 162)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Lime or orange wedges
8 (5 1/2-inch) soft white corn tortillas (page 13), for serving
Garnish: Pickled red onions or orange or pineapple segments

Steps:

  • Cut the chicken into 1/2-inch-wide strips. In a large bowl, mix together the orange juice, oregano, garlic, chile, achiote paste, salt, pepper, allspice, and olive oil to make the marinade. Add the chicken strips to the mixture and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • To cook the chicken, remove the strips from the marinade and drain off any excess liquid. In a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken strips, turning once or twice, until thoroughly cooked (cut one to test), about 9 minutes total.
  • Remove from the heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the strips, and serve immediately or keep warm in the pan until ready to serve.
  • To serve, lay the tortillas side by side, open face and overlapping on a platter. Divide the filling equally between the tortillas and top with salsa and pickled onions. Grab, fold, and eat right away. Or build your own taco: lay a tortilla, open face, in one hand. Spoon on some filling, top with salsa and pickled onions, fold, and eat right away.

ACHIOTE CHICKEN WITH QUESO FRESCO



Achiote Chicken With Queso Fresco image

Make and share this Achiote Chicken With Queso Fresco recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Jed J.

Categories     Mexican

Time 25m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 12 chicken thighs
4 tablespoons achiote paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
8 ounces orange juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 onion, sliced
24 ounces queso fresco
12 sprigs fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Mix together all spices, Achiote Paste and Orange Juice.
  • Pour Marinade over Chicken and Marinate Overnight.
  • Remove Chicken from Marinade (Reserve Marinade).
  • Place Chicken on an sheet pan or roasting pan.
  • Top Each Chicken breast with 2 slices of onion.
  • Bake Chicken until done and onion is caramelized.
  • Bring Marinade to boil, reduce to simmer and allow to reduce to coat back of spoon.
  • Pan Chicken, Top with dash of marinade on each piece and top with Queso Fresco.
  • Serve, topped with cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 149.8, Fat 3.2, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 75.5, Sodium 336.3, Carbohydrate 3.4, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 2.1, Protein 25.4

Achiote Chicken with Queso Fresco Recipes: An

Achiote chicken with queso fresco is a popular dish that is enjoyed throughout Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The dish is known for its unique flavor profile, which is a combination of the tangy, smoky taste of achiote and the creamy, salty flavor of queso fresco cheese. This dish is relatively simple to prepare, and it is perfect for those who are looking for a quick, easy meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

What is Achiote?

Achiote is a spice that is made from the seeds of the achiote tree. It is commonly used in Latin American cuisine, particularly in Mexican and Caribbean dishes. Achiote is known for its deep red color and smoky, slightly sweet flavor. It is often used as a natural food coloring and is an important ingredient in many traditional dishes.

What is Queso Fresco?

Queso fresco is a fresh, crumbly cheese that is commonly used in Latin American cuisine. It is a mild, slightly tangy cheese that melts easily and is often used in dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. Queso fresco is a versatile cheese that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

The Ingredients

The basic ingredients needed to prepare achiote chicken with queso fresco include chicken breasts, achiote paste, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and queso fresco cheese. Depending on the recipe, other ingredients may be added, such as onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

The Preparation

The first step in preparing achiote chicken with queso fresco is to marinate the chicken in a mix of achiote paste, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This marinade should be prepared ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together. The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal.

After marinating, the chicken can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Depending on the cooking method, the chicken should be cooked for 20-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

The queso fresco can be crumbled and used as a topping for the chicken, or it can be melted and used as a sauce. To melt the cheese, simply heat it in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Achiote chicken with queso fresco can be served in a variety of ways. It can be served as a main course with a side of rice and beans, or it can be served as a taco filling. It also pairs well with a variety of vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or grilled zucchini.

For a festive touch, serve the chicken with a side of guacamole, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips. This dish is also a great option for parties and gatherings, as it can be easily made in large quantities and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Achiote chicken with queso fresco is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a household favorite. With its unique flavor profile and versatility, it is a great option for those who are looking for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether served as a main course or as a taco filling, this dish is sure to impress.

Achiote chicken with queso fresco is a classic Mexican dish that is easy to make and deliciously satisfying. This recipe combines the spicy and earthy flavors of achiote with the creamy texture of queso fresco. Here are valuable tips to create a fantastic and authentic achiote chicken with queso fresco recipe:

Tip 1: Choosing the right chicken cuts

When making achiote chicken with queso fresco, it is important to choose the right chicken cuts. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this recipe. They are moist, tender, and have a rich flavor that pairs well with the achiote and queso fresco. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs, but they will require more cooking time.

Tip 2: Marinating the chicken

Marinating the chicken in achiote paste and other seasonings is crucial to the success of this recipe. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. Make sure to coat the chicken well with the marinade and cover it tightly before refrigerating.

Tip 3: Using homemade achiote paste

While you can buy achiote paste at most grocery stores, making your own achiote paste is easy and enhances the flavor of the dish. Homemade achiote paste typically contains a blend of annatto seeds, garlic, oregano, cumin, and other spices. It adds a beautiful orange color to the chicken and has a distinctly earthy and spicy flavor.

Tip 4: Cooking the chicken

When cooking the chicken, it is crucial to do it correctly to ensure it is moist and flavorful. You can either grill, bake or fry the chicken. Grilling the chicken on a charcoal grill added a smoky flavor to the chicken. Baking the chicken takes slightly longer time but results in a more evenly cooked chicken. When frying the chicken, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken so that it gets evenly browned.

Tip 5: Adding queso fresco

Queso fresco is a type of fresh, crumbly Mexican cheese that pairs well with the spicy and earthy flavors of achiote. You can crumble the queso fresco over the chicken before serving or melt it on top of the chicken for a creamy texture. Make sure to use high-quality queso fresco for the best results.

Tip 6: Serving suggestions

Achiote chicken with queso fresco pairs well with a variety of dishes. You can serve it with rice, black beans, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Add a side of guacamole and salsa for an authentic Mexican feast. You can also add diced tomatoes, diced onions on top of the chicken for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Achiote chicken with queso fresco is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is packed with flavor. Choosing the right chicken cuts, marinating the chicken in achiote paste, using homemade achiote paste, cooking the chicken properly, adding queso fresco, and serving it with the right dishes are all valuable tips for achiote chicken with queso fresco recipes. Use these tips to make an authentic and satisfying achiote chicken with queso fresco that is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.

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