Latin American > Mexican > Chicken

Pipian de Pollo con Calabaza Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups diced butternut squash
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special Equipment Needed:
- Blender or food processor

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

3. In a blender or food processor, grind the pumpkin seeds until they form a paste.

4. Add the pumpkin seed paste to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir in the chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Add the butternut squash and the browned chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is tender.

6. Stir in the chopped cilantro and serve.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning the chicken and cooking the onion and garlic
Simmer for cooking the chicken and squash
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 900mg
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken breast can be substituted with chicken thighs or drumsticks.
- Butternut squash can be substituted with acorn squash or sweet potato.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil or canola oil.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or tomatillos for a tangy flavor.
- Use different types of nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sesame seeds, for a different flavor.
- Add a diced jalapeno pepper for some heat.

Tips and Tricks:
- Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet before grinding them for a nuttier flavor.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Add more chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick.

Storage Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top.

Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.

Pairings:
Serve with rice or tortillas.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Black beans, refried beans, or a side salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the mixture becomes too thick, add more chicken broth.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food History:
Pipian is a traditional Mexican sauce made with pumpkin seeds.

Flavor Profiles:
Savory, nutty, and slightly spicy.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Earthy, Nutty, Sweet