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–+ servings
Mimis Chicken - Pollo Encebollado made with Domestic Gourmet Annatto Oil, Sazón and Adobo

Pollo Encebollado aka "Mimi's Chicken"

A quick and easy pollo encebollado recipe with sautéed onions and Domestic Gourmet Annatto Oil. Perfect for busy weeknights and delicious as leftovers!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Cuban
Servings 4 people
Calories 204 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Optional:

  • Fresh herbs oregano, cilantro, etc.

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tbsp annatto oil, adobo, sazon, lime or lemon juice, and your choice of fresh herbs (optional). Mix well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
    Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or ideally overnight.
  • Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about an hour before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature.
  • Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the remaining 1 tbsp of annatto oil and add the marinated chicken. Top the chicken with sliced onions and sprinkle the onions with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 5-7 minutes more.
  • Remove the chicken and continue to brown the onions until softened but still maintaining a slight crunch.
  • Serve the chicken with the onions on top.

Pairing Suggestions:

  • Pairs great with white rice and/or beans.
  • On French bread as a sandwich
  • Season with fresh cilantro and lime for tacos.

Pro tip:

  • After removing the chicken and onions from the pan, add cooked white rice and scrape the browned bits from the pan. This makes for a delicious pan-fried rice that is my favorite pairing for this chicken dish.

Notes

Notes on including your child(ren): 
This recipe is a wonderful sensory experience for your little chef(s). From the vibrant color of the annatto oil to the sizzle of the chicken and onions, it engages their senses of sight, smell, and sound—key for developing a love of food and cooking.
Sharpen your younger chef(s)' critical thinking skills by letting them help with marinating the chicken, squeezing the lime, or mixing the seasonings. Ask them questions like, "What does it feel like to mix the spices?" or "How does the chicken smell after marinating?" 
Older chefs can assist with searing the chicken, slicing the onions, or managing the heat. Let them observe the cooking process and feel the changes in texture as the chicken cooks. This builds both confidence and fine-motor skills.
For teens, encourage them to control the heat and ensure the chicken reaches the perfect temperature. This teaches mindfulness and the importance of attention to detail in the kitchen.
Cooking together creates more than a meal; it’s a chance to bond, pass down traditions, and inspire a lifelong love for cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 24gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 178mgPotassium: 468mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 38IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword Pollo Encebollado
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