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Best Easy Achiote Paste Chicken Recipe

Name: Best Easy Achiote Paste Chicken Recipe
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 185 g
Ingredients: bone-in skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs; achiote paste 3 tbsp; orange juice 1 cup; lime juice 3 tbsp; garlic cloves 4 cloves; olive oil 2 tbsp; salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp

Chicken rubbed with earthy achiote paste and citrus, roasted until golden and aromatic. This high protein, healthy chicken dish brings Yucatán's signature seasoning to a simple family dinner.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 220 kcal

#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bone-in skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs
achiote paste 3 tbsp
orange juice 1 cup
lime juice 3 tbsp
garlic cloves 4 cloves

Seasonings/Sauce

olive oil 2 tbsp
salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 6 g 11%

Protein 31 g 56%

Fat 7 g 29%

Serving size 185g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly oil a roasting pan for even browning.
2

In a bowl, whisk achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
3

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub the achiote mixture evenly onto the chicken, ensuring full coverage for deep flavor.
4

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the citrus and achiote flavors; longer marination (up to 2 hours) intensifies aroma.
5

Arrange chicken pieces in the roasting pan, skin side up, and roast for 35–40 minutes, basting once, until the exterior is golden and juices run clear.
6

Rest roasted chicken for 5 minutes before serving to retain moisture and lock in flavor.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The signature ingredient is achiote paste, which gives the chicken a unique earthy flavor and vibrant color. Combined with citrus juices, it creates the authentic Yucatán taste foundation.

Q. How do you ensure the chicken stays juicy during roasting?

Marinating the chicken in the citrus-achiote blend for at least 30 minutes allows deep flavor penetration and moisture retention. Roasting at 400°F and resting the chicken after cooking also helps preserve juiciness.

Q. Which ingredient provides the citrus brightness to the dish?

Orange juice and lime juice bring fresh, aromatic citrus notes that balance the savory achiote and enhance the chicken's aroma and flavor profile.

Q. How many calories are there per serving, and what's the protein-to-carb ratio?

Each 185g serving provides approximately 220 kcal. Protein makes up 31g (56%) of the calories, while carbs are just 6g (11%). This means the recipe is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, supporting a balanced, healthy meal.

Q. What prevents the chicken from drying out in this recipe?

Using bone-in thighs, marinating with citrus and oil, and resting the chicken post-roast minimize moisture loss and keep the meat tender despite high oven heat.

Best Easy Achiote Paste Chicken Recipe

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