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Best Easy Pollo con Nopales Recipe

Name: Best Easy Pollo con Nopales Recipe
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 260 g
Ingredients: boneless skinless chicken breast 1 lb; nopales (cactus paddles), cleaned and cut in strips 2 cups; roma tomato 3 pieces; white onion 0.5 pieces; garlic clove 2 cloves; poblano pepper 1 pieces; water 0.5 cup; olive oil 1 tbsp; salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tbsp

Chicken paired with tender cactus paddles in a savory salsa, combining protein with fiber-rich nopales. A healthy, fresh dish that supports diabetic-friendly and lower cholesterol eating patterns.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 220 kcal

#diabetic friendly #mediterranean #high protein

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

boneless skinless chicken breast 1 lb
nopales (cactus paddles), cleaned and cut in strips 2 cups
roma tomato 3 pieces
white onion 0.5 pieces
garlic clove 2 cloves
poblano pepper 1 pieces
water 0.5 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

olive oil 1 tbsp
salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 10 g 18%

Protein 28 g 51%

Fat 7 g 29%

Serving size 260g

Cooking steps

1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the sliced nopales and cook for 10 minutes, skimming off any foam. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breast pieces with salt and black pepper, then sear each side for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
3

In the same skillet, add diced onion and poblanos. Sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally for even cooking. Add minced garlic for the last 1 minute.
4

Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring and allowing the juices to release. Return the chicken and add the blanched nopales, mixing everything well.
5

Pour in 1/2 cup water. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and nopales are tender. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Personalized Q&A

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

Chicken breast is the core protein, but the dish’s distinctive texture and fresh taste come from nopales (cactus paddles). Together, these ingredients define Pollo con Nopales and deliver a healthy balance of lean meat and fiber-rich vegetables.

Q. At what stage is heat reduced during cooking, and why?

After sautéing the vegetables and returning the chicken and nopales to the skillet, you pour in water and then reduce heat to low before covering. This ensures the chicken cooks gently and stays juicy, while nopales become tender without overcooking.

Q. How do you prevent overcooking the chicken in this recipe?

Sear the chicken briefly over medium-high heat just to brown, then complete cooking by simmering gently in salsa with the lid on. This two-step process maintains a moist texture and prevents toughness or dryness.

Q. How many calories and protein are there per serving?

Each serving (260g) contains approximately 220 kcal and 28g of protein. This substantial protein content makes Pollo con Nopales a great option for those seeking lean, nutritious meals.

Best Easy Pollo con Nopales Recipe

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