Spicy Southwestern Grilled Chicken with Creamy Chipotle Chorizo Sauce
This flavorful dish features marinated grilled chicken breasts bathed in a rich and creamy chipotle sauce infused with spicy chorizo and fresh vegetables. The chicken is perfectly grilled to retain its juiciness, while the homemade sauce adds a burst of smoky and spicy flavors. A wonderful blend of spices and cremè make this meal a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. The marinade time is well-spent making the sauce, ensuring that this dish is both efficient and delicious. Ideal for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
550
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 medium (pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
taco seasoning mix
4 tablespoons (divided)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted and divided)
onion
1 medium (cut into large pieces)
red bell pepper
1 (cut into large pieces)
garlic cloves
4 (peeled)
chipotle chile in adobo
1 (chopped)
chorizo sausage
1/4 lb (without casing)
heavy cream
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning over the chicken and massage it into the meat for good flavor.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour melted butter over the seasoned chicken, mixing to coat. Place chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour.
3
Preheat your grill to high heat. Once marinated, grill the chicken for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from grill and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
4
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the chipotle cream sauce. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until it's browned and crumbly. Remove the chorizo from the pan, leaving any remaining grease.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and peeled garlic cloves until they are translucent and fragrant.
6
Chop the chipotle chile and add it, along with 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce, to the pan. Stir for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
Pour in the heavy cream and add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Cook on medium heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once combined, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, or use an immersion blender directly in the pan.
8
Return the blended sauce to the pan, adding the cooked chorizo back into the mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
9
Slice the grilled chicken into strips and arrange them on serving plates. Generously pour the chipotle cream sauce over each serving, ensuring each piece gets a good coating. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
42.5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
32.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Southwestern Grilled Chicken with Creamy Chipotle Chorizo Sauce?
It is a flavorful dish featuring marinated grilled chicken breasts topped with a rich, smoky, and creamy chipotle sauce made with chorizo and fresh vegetables.
How many chicken breast halves are required?
The recipe requires 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How thick should the chicken be for even cooking?
The chicken breasts should be pounded until they are approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What seasoning is used for the chicken marinade?
The chicken is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and melted butter.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be preheated to high heat.
How long do you grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken for approximately 4 minutes on each side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
How is the chorizo prepared?
Cook 1/4 lb of chorizo without casing in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly.
What vegetables are included in the chipotle cream sauce?
The sauce includes one medium onion, one red bell pepper, and four peeled garlic cloves.
How is the smoky flavor achieved in the sauce?
The smoky flavor comes from one chopped chipotle chile and one tablespoon of adobo sauce.
How much heavy cream is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of heavy cream.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender or immersion blender is needed to make the sauce mixture smooth.
When do I add the cooked chorizo back into the sauce?
Add the chorizo back into the sauce after the vegetable and cream mixture has been blended.
How is the dish served?
The grilled chicken is sliced into strips and the chipotle cream sauce is poured generously over it.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What is the fat content of this meal?
There are 42.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 32.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much taco seasoning is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of taco seasoning is used, divided between the chicken and the sauce.
How much butter is used for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter, divided between the marinade and the sautéing process.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium onion cut into large pieces.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, peeled.
Is this recipe suitable for barbecues?
Yes, it is ideal for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners.
How long does the sauce simmer after blending?
The blended sauce and chorizo should simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use skin-on chicken?
The recipe specifies boneless skinless chicken breast halves for the best results.
How long should the chipotle and adobo sauce stir in the pan?
They should be stirred for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before adding cream.
Is the red bell pepper chopped?
The red bell pepper should be cut into large pieces for sautéing before it is blended into the sauce.