Pollo Ranchero Recipe: a Spicy, Tangy Mexican Classic

This Pollo Ranchero Recipe is perfect for a weekend meal. It’s easy to make and has a great flavor. The chicken is cooked in a tomato sauce with peppers and onions, and then served with rice and beans. You’ll love this spicy dish!

What is Pollo Ranchero?

Pollo Ranchero is a traditional Mexican dish that typically consists of chicken that has been cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. The chicken is often served over rice and beans, and garnished with cilantro, sour cream, and avocado.

This dish is said to have originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco, and it is commonly served in restaurants and homes throughout Mexico and the United States.

Pollo Ranchero is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a winter night. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the sauce is rich and slightly spicy. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, or it can be made fresh and served immediately.

Pollo Ranchero Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4-ounce can diced green chilies, undrained)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Avocado, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion and garlic are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, or until browned.
3. Combine the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano in a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken broth to the pot.
4. Cook for 10 minutes after bringing the contents to a simmer. Remove from the fire and stir in the chopped cilantro.
5. If desired, serve over cooked white rice and top with sour cream and avocado slices. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips on Making Pollo Ranchero 

If you want a spicier dish, you can add more chili powder or diced jalapeños to the sauce.

This dish can also be made in the slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Leftover Pollo Ranchero can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Things to Avoid When Making Pollo Ranchero 

Don’t forget to season the chicken! Seasoning the chicken before cooking it will help to ensure that it is flavorful and juicy.

Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Chicken that is cooked until it is dry and tough will ruin this dish. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through and still moist.

When adding the diced tomatoes, be sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the skillet. This will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

Avoid using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in this dish. The chicken will not have enough flavor and will likely become dry when reheated. Use raw chicken that has been cooked through for the best results.

What Equipment Do You Need to Make Pollo Ranchero?

To make Pollo Ranchero, you will need a large skillet or a Dutch oven. I like to use a cast iron skillet because it holds heat well and browns the chicken nicely. However, any large skillet or pot will work.

You will also need some basic kitchen equipment such as a cutting board, knives, measuring spoons and cups, and a wooden spoon for stirring.

Nutrition Facts of Pollo Ranchero

Pollo Ranchero is a hearty and filling dish that is packed with protein and nutrients. One serving of Pollo Ranchero (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 108 mg
• Sodium: 778 mg
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g

Where to Buy Pollo Ranchero?

Pollo Ranchero can be found at most Mexican restaurants. It can also be found in the frozen food section of many grocery stores.

Frequently Asked Questions on Pollo Ranchero Recipe

Pollo Ranchero is a Mexican dish that is traditionally made with chicken. However, this dish can also be made with beef or pork. The dish is typically served with rice and beans, and it can be either mild or spicy, depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal, then this recipe is definitely for you!

1. What is Pollo Ranchero?

Pollo Ranchero is a Mexican dish that is traditionally made with chicken. However, this dish can also be made with beef or pork. The dish is typically served with rice and beans, and it can be either mild or spicy, depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal, then this recipe is definitely for you!

2. How do you make Pollo Ranchero?

The dish is typically made by cooking chicken in a sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. However, there are many different variations of this dish, so feel free to experiment with the ingredients to find a combination that you like best. Once the chicken is cooked, it is usually served with rice and beans.

3. What are some common ingredients in Pollo Ranchero?

Common ingredients in Pollo Ranchero include chicken, tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and rice. However, as mentioned before, there are many different variations of this dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients.

4. Is Pollo Ranchero spicy?

Pollo Ranchero can be either mild or spicy, depending on the ingredients that you use. If you want a spicier dish, then you can add more chili peppers to the sauce. On the other hand, if you want a milder dish, then you can reduce the amount of chili peppers in the sauce.

5. Can I make Pollo Ranchero ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat. Simply cook the chicken and prepare the sauce according to the recipe instructions. Then, store the cooked chicken and sauce in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a pot on the stove.

6. What should I serve with Pollo Ranchero?

Pollo Ranchero is typically served with rice and beans. However, there are many different ways to enjoy this dish. For example, you could also serve it with tortillas, salad, or even just by itself.

7. Is Pollo Ranchero healthy?

This dish can be either healthy or unhealthy, depending on the ingredients that you use. If you’re looking for a healthier version of this dish, then you can use leaner cuts of chicken and low-fat ingredients in the sauce. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a heartier meal, then you can use fattier cuts of chicken and full-fat ingredients in the sauce.

Conclusion

The Pollo Ranchero recipe is a delicious, easy-to-follow dish that will surely be a crowd pleaser. Be sure to try it out for your next gathering!

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