| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 1 hour | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 390 | 15g | 3g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 4g | 45g | 0.90g |
Why I Love Mexican Chicken in Pasilla Chili Sauce
I adore exploring diverse cuisines and integrating them into my repertoire of time-honored dishes. But there’s one in particular that’s captured my heart—Chicken in Pasilla Chili Sauce. This Mexican dish; a delicious blend of bold and vibrant flavors, reminds me of Sunday dinners with my Italian grandparents, where every meal was a celebration.
Deep Flavors and Memories
What resonates with me most about the Chicken in Pasilla Chili Sauce, other than the tempting flavors, are the memories it evokes. The essence of home cooking isn’t just about the food, but about families gathering around the dining table, sharing meals together. Just like every meatball rolled by hand, pasilla chilies, when prepared, fill the kitchen with an enticing aroma that permeates the air, promising something extraordinary to taste.
The meticulous process of rehydrating and grinding of pasilla chilies, beautifully mirrors the care and effort my grandparents put into their traditional Italian sauces. Inspired by my cooking cornerstone, the esteemed Mexican chef Rick Bayless, I like to provide the same level of attention to detail in my recipes.
A Versatile Delight
This entrée doesn’t sit alone on the menu, but is a central piece to a wider gastronomic experience. It’s strikingly similar to the ‘Pollo en Mole’, a traditional Mexican dish draped in a chili and chocolate laden sauce. Chicken in Pasilla Chili Sauce embodies the same richness in flavor, without the added sweetness of chocolate, bringing an exciting twist to the table.
Like many comprehensive dining experiences, the Chicken in Pasilla Chili Sauce pairs well with an array of side dishes. A warm bowl of tortilla soup to start, followed by black beans and Mexican rice on the side makes for a comprehensive meal. Any leftover Pasilla Chili Sauce also complements quesadillas or tacos splendidly, making it a versatile condiment to have at your disposal.
In my grandparent’s home, pasta was always about bringing the family together. Now, around my table, Chicken in Pasilla Chili Sauce does the same. It’s more than just a meal, it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories, spiced up with love and tradition. As we expand our culinary horizons, we open our hearts and homes to new flavors, each adding a valuable chapter to our family food story.
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless chicken breasts
- 7 dry pasilla chilies
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Mexican oregano
- 2 teaspoons of crushed cumin seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons of corn oil
- 1/2 cup of toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 cups of cooked white rice for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by placing the pasilla chilies in a bowl and covering them with boiling water. Allow them to sit for 20 minutes until they become soft. Drain and remove the seeds and stalk.
Step Two
Next, heat one tablespoon of corn oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped onion to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown. Then transfer the onion, garlic, tomatoes and drained chilies to a blender.
Step Three
Add the chicken broth, sugar, Mexican oregano, and cumin into the blender with the veggies. Blend this mixture until it becomes a smooth puree. Then season it with salt and pepper as per your taste.
Step Four
In a large pan, heat the remaining corn oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the pan for a quick sear until the outsides turn golden brown.
Step Five
Pour the chili sauce over the chicken in the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Step Six
Lastly, serve the chicken in pasilla chili sauce over cooked white rice and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for garnish. You can now enjoy this fiery, flavorful dish!
