If you love bold flavors and quick meals that feel like a fiesta on your plate, this Chori Pollo Recipe is going to be your new weeknight obsession. Combining juicy pieces of chicken with the smoky, spicy richness of chorizo, every bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re craving a speedy dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss, this dish hits all the right notes with its vibrant, hearty, and comforting profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but essential, each adding its unique flair to give the Chori Pollo Recipe its signature depth and color. From the smoky paprika to the fresh cilantro, every component plays a key role in turning everyday staples into something extraordinary.
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect cooking and tender texture.
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage: Remove the casing before cooking to release rich oils and bold flavors throughout the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity base for sautéing and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when it softens and caramelizes slightly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the spices beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Offers a fresh crunch and vibrant color to brighten the plate.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Imparts a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthy undertones critical to Mexican-inspired dishes.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smokiness that lifts the natural fats from chorizo and chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything into balance.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps create a luscious sauce that keeps the proteins juicy.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: For garnish, lending a zesty, herbal freshness on top.
- Lime wedges: Bright citrus finish that enhances every bite just before serving.
How to Make Chori Pollo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial because as the chorizo browns and releases its flavorful oils, it builds the foundation for your dish. The smell alone will get you excited for what’s next.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables with Chorizo
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften and the onion turns translucent. This mixture creates a wonderful aromatic base, where the sweetness of the peppers and onions balances the rich spiciness of the chorizo perfectly.
Step 3: Season and Add Chicken
Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adding the spices now ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout. Then, add the chicken to the skillet with the chorizo and vegetables. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside and has absorbed all those incredible flavors.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors meld into a beautifully saucy finish. This step keeps the chicken juicy while creating a luscious coating for every bite.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top, adding a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. Serve with lime wedges so everyone can squeeze citrus onto their plate, elevating the dish with a tangy zip.
How to Serve Chori Pollo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is not just a pretty garnish but a flavor brightener you don’t want to skip. Lime wedges are equally important, giving you the chance to add a spritz of vibrant acidity that wakes up the palate and balances the savory chorizo and spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
Chori Pollo pairs beautifully with warm tortillas, steamed rice, or even a crisp green salad. Soft corn or flour tortillas allow you to turn this dish into tacos or burritos, making it a versatile main you can enjoy in several different ways depending on your mood and craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling creative? Serve Chori Pollo in crispy taco shells topped with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for texture contrast. Or pile it on a bed of cilantro-lime rice, sprinkle with queso fresco, and watch how simple additions can transform this dish into a vibrant celebration plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer leftover Chori Pollo into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can last up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Either way, it tastes almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender throughout cooking, adding even more flavor to the Chori Pollo Recipe.
Is it necessary to use fresh cilantro?
Fresh cilantro really brightens the dish and adds an essential herby note, but if you’re not a fan, parsley can be a milder alternative. Just know it won’t have quite the same traditional punch.
Can I substitute another type of sausage for chorizo?
You can, but chorizo has a distinctive smoky and spicy character that is central to the dish’s identity. Using a milder sausage will change the flavor profile significantly, so try to find authentic chorizo if you can.
How spicy is this Chori Pollo Recipe?
This recipe has a nice moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder and chorizo. You can always adjust the spices to suit your taste by adding more chili powder for extra spice or reducing it for a gentler flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance for a dinner party?
Yes! You can make Chori Pollo a few hours ahead and keep it warm or gently reheat before serving. It’s a fantastic dish to prepare in advance because the flavors often deepen and improve as it rests.
Final Thoughts
This Chori Pollo Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a joyous burst of bold, savory flavors that comes together with ease and makes everyday dining special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this dish invites you to savor every bite and celebrate the vibrant spirit of simple, flavorful cooking. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Chori Pollo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Chori Pollo is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender chicken pieces with spicy chorizo sausage, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic spices. This quick skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, offering a delicious blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, casing removed
Vegetables
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 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.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Season and cook chicken: Season the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
- Serving suggestion: Serve Chori Pollo with tortillas, rice, or as a topping for tacos or burritos.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference; thighs will be juicier while breasts are leaner.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to control the spice level of the dish.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika, but regular paprika can be substituted if unavailable.
- Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas for an authentic experience.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
