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Best Easy Pollo en Pepián Recipe

Name: Best Easy Pollo en Pepián Recipe
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 300 g
Ingredients: bone-in chicken pieces 2.5 lbs; white onion 1 pieces; roma tomatoes 3 pieces; dried pasilla chiles 2 pieces; dried guajillo chiles 2 pieces; pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 0.5 cup; sesame seeds 0.25 cup; corn tortilla 1 pieces; fresh cilantro 0.25 cup; garlic cloves 3 cloves; whole black peppercorns 1 tsp; ground cumin 1 tsp; kosher salt 1.5 tsp

Chicken in a rich pepián sauce made from toasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and dried chiles. This pre-Hispanic high protein dish makes an impressive family dinner full of authentic Mexican heritage.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 360 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bone-in chicken pieces 2.5 lbs
white onion 1 pieces
roma tomatoes 3 pieces
dried pasilla chiles 2 pieces
dried guajillo chiles 2 pieces
pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 0.5 cup
sesame seeds 0.25 cup
corn tortilla 1 pieces
fresh cilantro 0.25 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

garlic cloves 3 cloves
whole black peppercorns 1 tsp
ground cumin 1 tsp
kosher salt 1.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 16 g 18%

Protein 34 g 38%

Fat 16 g 40%

Serving size 300g

Cooking steps

1

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt.
2

Add chicken to a large pot with half the onion and 1 smashed garlic clove. Cover with water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove chicken and reserve broth.
3

While the chicken cooks, toast pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden and aromatic. Set aside.
4

Over medium-high heat, toast dried chiles for 30 seconds per side, pressing with a spatula. Remove stems and seeds, then soak chiles in hot water for 10 minutes.
5

Char tomatoes, remaining onion, and garlic in a dry skillet or under broiler until well blackened on all sides.
6

Blend toasted seeds, chiles, charred vegetables, tortilla, cumin, and cilantro with 2 cups reserved broth until smooth. Season with 1.5 tsp salt.
7

Return chicken to the pot, pour in the pepián sauce, and simmer over medium-low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning as needed.
8

Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in Pollo en Pepián?

The defining ingredients of Pollo en Pepián are the pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sesame seeds, and dried chiles. The mixture of toasted seeds and rehydrated chiles creates the rich, nutty, and complex sauce that gives this dish its pre-Hispanic heritage flavor.

Q. How do I prevent the pepián sauce from burning or sticking?

After blending, simmer the sauce over medium-low heat and stir it regularly, especially after adding it to the chicken. The combination of ground seeds and tortilla thickens the sauce, so gentle heat and movement help avoid scorching and ensure a smooth texture.

Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?

Each 300g serving provides approximately 360 kcal, 34g of protein (38% of calories), 16g of carbs (18%), and 16g of fat (40%), making it a high protein main course.

Q. Which cooking step adds the most flavor to this dish?

Toasting the pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, peppercorns, and chiles is essential. This enhances their nuttiness and complexity, forming the sauce's flavor base. Don’t rush these steps for best results.

Best Easy Pollo en Pepián Recipe

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