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Best Easy Pollo Pibil Recipe

Name: Best Easy Pollo Pibil Recipe
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 190 g
Ingredients: boneless skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs; achiote paste 3 tbsp; sour orange juice 0.5 cup; red onion 1 medium; fresh garlic 4 cloves; banana leaves 2 pieces; ground cumin 1 tsp; dried oregano 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; salt 1 tsp

Chicken marinated in achiote and sour orange, slow-cooked Yucatán-style until tender. This high protein, healthy chicken dish brings the vibrant, citrusy flavors of pibil to a family dinner.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 225 kcal

#high protein #Mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

boneless skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs
achiote paste 3 tbsp
sour orange juice 0.5 cup
red onion 1 medium
fresh garlic 4 cloves
banana leaves 2 pieces

Seasonings/Sauce

ground cumin 1 tsp
dried oregano 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
salt 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 8 g 14%

Protein 28 g 50%

Fat 7 g 28%

Serving size 190g

Cooking steps

1

Prepare the marinade by combining achiote paste, sour orange juice, garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
2

Slice the red onion thinly; set aside half for garnish and add the rest to the marinade.
3

Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over, coat thoroughly, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
4

Line a Dutch oven or baking dish with rinsed banana leaves, overlapping to cover the bottom and sides. Add marinated chicken and extra marinade, then cover with banana leaves to seal in moisture.
5

Cook covered in a 325°F oven for 90 minutes. Check after 60 minutes; baste chicken with juices and reseal for gentle, even cooking. Let rest 10 minutes after removing, then shred chicken and serve with reserved onions.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Pollo Pibil Recipe?

The essential ingredient here is achiote paste, which gives Pollo Pibil its signature earthy flavor and vibrant color. Combined with sour orange juice, it defines the classic Yucatán flavor and aroma.

Q. How should I control the heat when slow-cooking Pollo Pibil?

Pollo Pibil is cooked at a gentle 325°F in a covered dish lined with banana leaves. This moderate heat ensures the chicken becomes tender without drying out. Basting halfway keeps the meat moist and helps infuse the marinade fully.

Q. How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry or tough?

To avoid dryness, marinate the chicken thoroughly and ensure it's wrapped well in banana leaves to lock in moisture during cooking. Checking and basting after 60 minutes helps keep every piece succulent and full of flavor.

Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving for this recipe?

Each serving (190g) of Pollo Pibil contains approximately 225 kcal, with 28g protein (50%), 8g carbs (14%), and 7g fat (28%). This makes it a high protein option, great for healthy family meals.

Best Easy Pollo Pibil Recipe

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