If you’re craving a dish bursting with bold, smoky flavors and tender, juicy bites, this Chori Pollo Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. Combining the rich, spicy essence of chorizo with the juicy goodness of seasoned chicken, this recipe creates a harmonious blend that’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this Chori Pollo Recipe delivers warmth, zest, and an undeniable comfort factor everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chori Pollo Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in bringing out the perfect balance of flavors and colors. From the spicy kick of chorizo to the fragrant warmth of smoked paprika, every element adds a special touch that you won’t want to miss.
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless: Bite-sized pieces that soak up all the spices and cook evenly for a tender texture.
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, casing removed: The star ingredient that gives a smoky, spicy punch and richness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the chorizo and sauté the veggies without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when softened in the skillet.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant aroma and subtle heat that complements the chorizo beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Provides a lovely color contrast and a fresh, mild crunch.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Boosts the heat and intensifies the boldness in every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Offers a warm, earthy undertone that makes the dish truly comforting.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Elevates the smoky character and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken juicy and melds the flavors perfectly as it simmers.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): A bright, herbal finish that refreshes the dish.
- Lime wedges (for serving): A zesty pop of acidity to cut through the richness.
How to Make Chori Pollo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chorizo
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chorizo, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes until it’s browned and has released its flavorful oils. This sizzling step is where your kitchen will begin to smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Bell Pepper
Next, add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, bringing a lovely sweetness and mellowing out the garlic’s raw bite.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once seasoned, add them to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken loses its pink color and is cooked all the way through—roughly 6-8 minutes. The spices will cling to the chicken, infusing each bite with rich flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the flavors mingle into one delicious, cohesive bite. The broth keeps the dish moist and pulls all the tastes together beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from the heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve alongside lime wedges. This final flourish adds a burst of freshness that contrasts perfectly with the smoky, spicy chicken and chorizo.
How to Serve Chori Pollo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are the go-to garnishes here. The cilantro brings a clean, herbal brightness that lifts the dish, and a generous squeeze of lime adds a zesty tang that cuts through the richness, creating perfect harmony on the palate.
Side Dishes
Chori Pollo shines when paired with simple sides like warm tortillas or fluffy Mexican rice. You can also serve it over a bed of beans or quinoa for a wholesome, hearty meal. The versatility lets you tailor the meal to whatever you’re craving—comfort food or a festive feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, turn this Chori Pollo Recipe into a taco filling topped with avocado slices and a drizzle of creamy Mexican crema. Or use it as a protein-packed topping for nachos, layering with cheese and jalapeños. It’s perfectly adaptable for your culinary mood!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chori Pollo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled properly to maintain the flavors and freshness, so you can enjoy the next day’s meal without sacrificing taste.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a great option for meal prepping or saving for a busy day when you want a quick, flavorful dinner.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw frozen Chori Pollo overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Your dish will come back as vibrant and tasty as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?
While chorizo offers a unique smoky and spicy flavor critical to this dish, you can experiment with other spicy sausages. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, and you may want to adjust additional seasonings accordingly.
Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?
Both work well, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and have more flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the robust chorizo. Chicken breasts create a leaner dish but can dry out if overcooked, so watch the timing carefully.
Can this recipe be made spicy?
Absolutely! To amp up the heat, add extra chili powder, include some diced jalapeños with the bell pepper, or serve with hot sauce on the side. The beauty of this recipe is how well it adapts to your personal spice preferences.
What can I substitute if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If smoked paprika isn’t on hand, regular paprika mixed with a small pinch of ground cumin can approximate the smokiness. Alternatively, you might consider chipotle powder for a slightly different smoky heat.
How long does it take to prepare and cook Chori Pollo Recipe?
This recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for quick weeknight dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug, and this Chori Pollo Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to prepare, packed with vibrant flavor, and incredibly versatile—the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorites!
Print
Chori Pollo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Chori Pollo is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining tender chicken pieces with spicy chorizo sausage, sautéed vegetables, and bold seasonings. This quick and easy skillet recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright finish. Ideal for serving with tortillas, rice, or as a hearty taco topping.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, casing removed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the chorizo: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 4-5 minutes until it starts to brown and release its oils, creating a flavorful base.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, building the aromatic foundation of the dish.
- Add and season chicken: Season the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish and serve with lime wedges on the side for added zest and brightness.
- Serving suggestion: Serve the Chori Pollo hot, accompanied by warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or use as a flavorful filling for tacos and burritos.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder along with the smoked paprika.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.
- Using chicken thighs will yield a juicier, more flavorful dish compared to chicken breasts.
- Make sure to remove the casing from the chorizo to allow it to crumble properly during cooking.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
