Zesty Achiote Braised Chicken
Experience the vibrant and mouthwatering flavors of Mexico with this Zesty Achiote Braised Chicken. Inspired by traditional recipes, this dish features a whole chicken marinated in a rich, flavorful blend of achiote, lime juice, and aromatic spices. The slow braising method ensures the chicken remains tender, juicy, and infused with layers of flavor, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Serve it alongside roasted plantains or sweet potatoes to complement the dish. This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, with the option for slow cooking or oven braising, making it convenient for any home cook. Elevate your dining experience with this eye-catching and appetizing chicken dish, perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
N/A
Servings
517
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
5-6 lbs (cleaned and defeathered)
achiote molido (Annatto)
2 ounces (ground)
fine sea salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
cumin (Comino Molido)
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
lime juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
water
1/2 cup (optional, for braising)
garlic cloves
4 (peeled)
chiles de arbol
1-2 (dried)
Instructions
1
Defrost the chicken if necessary, and remove the neck, liver, giblets, and any excess fat. Rinse if needed, then place the chicken in a large 6-8 quart pot or Dutch oven.
2
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
3
In a small bowl, combine the achiote molido, cumin, Mexican oregano, and lime juice. Use the back of a spoon to mash these ingredients together until they form a thick marinade or paste.
4
Carefully add some of the marinade inside the cavity of the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Pour the remaining marinade over the skin of the chicken, rubbing it in thoroughly to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
5
If braising in the oven, check the chicken's fat content; depending on the bird, you may need to add 1/2 cup of water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, if using a slow cooker, skip the water altogether.
6
For optimal flavor, you can add a whole head of peeled garlic and the chiles de arbol inside the pot with the chicken.
7
Cover the pot tightly with a lid. If there's any gap, use foil to ensure a perfect seal.
8
Cook the chicken for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) at the thickest part of the meat. If you prefer, you can finish cooking it on the stovetop for enhanced flavor and crispiness.
9
For an extra burst of flavor just before serving, squeeze in an additional 1/4 cup of lime juice over the chicken.
10
Allow resting for a few minutes before carving and serving, ensuring the meat absorbs all its juices.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
3g
Carbs
50g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Achiote Braised Chicken?
It is a Mexican-inspired dish where a whole chicken is marinated in a blend of achiote, lime juice, and spices, then slow-braised until tender and juicy.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include a 5-6 lb whole chicken, achiote molido, lime juice, cumin, Mexican oregano, garlic cloves, and chiles de arbol.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for the braising process.
How long does the chicken need to cook?
The chicken typically takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to cook until it reaches the proper internal temperature.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius) at the thickest part of the meat.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for a slow cooker; if using this method, you should skip adding the extra water.
Do I need to add water when braising in the oven?
Depending on the fat content of the bird, you may need to add 1/2 cup of water to prevent the chicken from drying out during oven braising.
What is achiote molido?
Achiote molido is ground annatto seed, which provides a rich color and earthy flavor to the marinade.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Combine the achiote molido, cumin, Mexican oregano, and lime juice in a small bowl and mash them together with a spoon into a thick paste.
Should I clean the chicken before cooking?
Yes, you should defrost the chicken if necessary, remove the neck and giblets, and rinse if needed before placing it in the pot.
What size pot should I use for this recipe?
A large 6-8 quart pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for this dish.
How do I ensure a tight seal on my braising pot?
Cover the pot tightly with a lid, and if there is any gap, use aluminum foil to ensure a perfect seal to trap moisture.
Can I finish the chicken on the stovetop?
Yes, after braising, you can finish the chicken on the stovetop to enhance the flavor and achieve a crispier exterior.
What side dishes pair well with Achiote Braised Chicken?
Roasted plantains or sweet potatoes are excellent choices to complement the vibrant flavors of the chicken.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
This recipe contains approximately 517 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 30 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This chicken dish provides 50 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This dish is low in carbohydrates, containing only about 3 grams per serving.
What type of oregano is recommended?
Mexican oregano is recommended for its specific citrusy and earthy flavor profile.
How many chiles de arbol should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 dried chiles de arbol depending on your spice preference.
Where should I place the garlic and chiles during cooking?
You can place a whole head of peeled garlic and the chiles de arbol inside the pot with the chicken for optimal flavor infusion.
Is it necessary to rest the chicken after cooking?
Yes, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving ensures the meat reabsorbs its juices and stays tender.
Can I add more lime juice before serving?
Squeezing an additional 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice over the chicken just before serving provides an extra burst of zesty flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its eye-catching appearance and rich flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for family meals and festive occasions.
What is the weight of the chicken used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests using a whole chicken weighing between 5 and 6 pounds.
Can I use ground cumin?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for ground cumin (Comino Molido) for the marinade.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It features a mild to moderate heat from the chiles de arbol and zesty notes from the lime and achiote.
How should I apply the marinade to the chicken?
Apply some marinade inside the cavity and rub the remaining paste thoroughly over the skin to penetrate the meat.
Is fine sea salt required?
The recipe suggests 1-2 teaspoons of fine sea salt, though you should adjust it to your personal taste.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Mexican cuisine.