Pollo Aguascalientes con Salsa Fresca
Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexico with this traditional country-style dish, Pollo Aguascalientes. Tender, bone-in chicken pieces simmered in a fresh tomato sauce create a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. This recipe features pan-fried potatoes, serving as the ideal accompaniment to soak up the savory sauce, while a garnish of shredded lettuce and jalapeños adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of spice. It's a favorite in our household, celebrating the heartiness and comfort of Mexican cuisine.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
3 lbs (bone-in, cut up)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
cooking oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
onion
1 (thinly sliced)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
fresh tomatoes
3 medium (peeled, seeded, and rough chopped)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for balance)
salt
1 teaspoon (to enhance flavor)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried, crushed)
cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
clove
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
cornstarch
2 teaspoons (for thickening)
Instructions
1
Start by generously seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
2
In a 12-inch skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and brown on all sides for about 15 minutes. This step will develop a rich color and flavor.
3
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4
Carefully add the chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, sugar, salt, oregano, cinnamon, and ground cloves into the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup of water to help create a sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
5
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and keep it warm.
6
Measure the remaining pan juices in the skillet. Add enough water to reach a total of 2 cups, then return this mixture to the skillet.
7
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
8
Spoon a generous amount of the thickened sauce over the warm chicken on the platter. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for guests to help themselves.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
34g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pollo Aguascalientes?
Pollo Aguascalientes is a traditional country-style Mexican dish featuring chicken pieces simmered in a fresh tomato-based sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of bone-in chicken, cut into pieces, to ensure a rich and savory flavor.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
You should brown the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 15 minutes.
What ingredients are in the fresh sauce?
The sauce is made from fresh tomatoes, sliced onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, sugar, salt, oregano, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped before being added to the skillet.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the fresh tomatoes and lemon juice.
How long should the chicken simmer?
The chicken should simmer, covered, for 30 to 35 minutes until it is thoroughly cooked and tender.
How do I thicken the Pollo Aguascalientes sauce?
The sauce is thickened using a slurry made from 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is traditionally served with pan-fried potatoes, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 34 grams of protein.
What are the aromatic spices used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a unique blend of dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
How much fat is in this chicken dish?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 11.25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
This recipe provides about 1.25 grams of fiber per serving.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling and seeding the tomatoes for a smoother sauce consistency.
What size skillet is recommended?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended to provide enough space for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
How much sugar is required?
Only 1 teaspoon of sugar is needed for the entire recipe.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
How much water is added during the simmering process?
You should add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet when starting the simmer.
How much total liquid is used for the final sauce?
The pan juices are measured and topped with water to reach a total of 2 cups before thickening.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
The first step is generously seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on all sides.
When do I add the onion and garlic?
Add the onion and garlic after browning the chicken, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dried, crushed oregano.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready once the cornstarch slurry has been added and the mixture becomes thick and bubbly.
What is the serving suggestion for the sauce?
Spoon a generous amount of sauce over the chicken and serve the remainder on the side.
Is this recipe considered a family-style meal?
Yes, it is described as a favorite for family gatherings and a cozy dinner option.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a vibrant mix of savory chicken, fresh tomato, and warm notes of cinnamon and clove.
Does this recipe include sodium information?
The raw data does not specify a numerical value for sodium, as salt is added 'to taste'.
Is this an easy dinner to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' that can be prepared in a single skillet.