Best Easy Pollo con Calabacitas Recipe

Chicken sautéed with tender Mexican squash, corn, and tomatoes in a light broth. This healthy, protein-packed dish is naturally fresh and works well for calorie deficit and 1600 calorie meal plans.

Cook 35 min Difficulty EASY 210 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean #low carb
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 lb
  • Mexican squash (calabacitas), sliced 2 cups
  • corn kernels 1 cup
  • Roma tomatoes, diced 1.5 cups
  • yellow onion, chopped 0.5 cup
  • garlic cloves, minced 2 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • chicken broth (low sodium) 1.5 cups
  • olive oil 1 tbsp
  • salt 0.75 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • dried oregano 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 34%
Protein 27 g 51%
Fat 4 g 15%
Serving size 290g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden but not fully cooked through.

  2. 2

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent, scraping up any browned bits.

  3. 3

    Stir in the diced Roma tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for 3–4 minutes, letting the tomatoes release their juices.

  4. 4

    Toss in the sliced Mexican squash and corn kernels. Pour in the chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 7–8 minutes over medium-low heat until the squash is just tender and chicken is fully cooked.

  5. 5

    Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and simmer uncovered for an additional 3–4 minutes to reduce the broth slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The standout ingredient in Pollo con Calabacitas is the boneless, skinless chicken breast, which provides lean protein and forms the dish’s hearty base. The combination of Mexican squash, corn, and tomatoes adds both texture and a fresh, naturally sweet profile.
Q. How do you prevent the squash from overcooking?
To keep the calabacitas (Mexican squash) tender but not mushy, add it after the tomatoes have cooked down and simmer just 7–8 minutes with the corn and broth over medium-low heat. Finish by simmering uncovered to prevent sogginess.
Q. What's the role of heat control in this recipe?
Start with medium-high heat to sear and seal in juices for the chicken, then reduce to medium or medium-low when adding vegetables and liquid. This gentle heat ensures everything cooks evenly without drying out or over-reducing the broth.
Q. How many calories and macros per serving does this dish provide?
Each 290g serving contains about 210 kcal, with 27g protein (51% of calories), 18g carbs (34%), and 4g fat (15%). This profile makes it suitable for high-protein and lower-carb meal plans.
Q. Which ingredient makes the biggest difference in flavor?
Fresh Roma tomatoes are essential—they create a light, aromatic broth and add natural umami to balance the gentle squash and succulent chicken, making every bite vibrant and satisfying.
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