Pollo En Escabeche Oriental (Shredded Chicken)
Description
This Pollo En Escabeche Oriental is a vibrant, tangy dish that marries tender shredded chicken with a bold, acidic marinade. The chicken is simmered until fall-off-the-bone tender, then roasted with a pungent peppercorn and garlic paste before being tossed in a bright relish of bitter orange-marinated onions and roasted garlic. The result is a complex interplay of savory, spicy, and sour flavors, perfect for serving over rice or wrapped in warm tortillas. It is an excellent choice for festive gatherings or a hearty weeknight dinner that offers a refreshing twist on traditional Mexican comfort food.Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Place the peppercorns, ground oregano, and salt in a spice grinder and grind into a fine powder.
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Mix the spice powder with the crushed garlic and vinegar to form a thick paste; set aside.
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Place one red onion and both heads of garlic on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant. Let cool completely.
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While the garlic roasts, peel the second red onion and slice it into rings. Marinate the onion rings in the bitter orange juice (or a mix of lime and orange juice) for at least 15 minutes.
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Place the chicken legs and thighs in a large stockpot. Cover with water and add the remaining salt and ground oregano.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is tender, about 30 minutes.
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Drain the chicken, reserving the broth. Transfer the chicken pieces to an oven-proof dish.
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Spread the peppercorn paste over the chicken and drizzle with the remaining bitter orange juice.
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Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) until the chicken is golden brown, about 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, peel the roasted garlic cloves and onion. Combine them with the reserved chicken broth in a saucepan.
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Add the xcatic, habanero, and serrano chiles to the broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
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Add the marinated onion rings to the broth. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat.
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Drain the broth mixture, reserving both the liquid and the solids (onions, garlic, chiles).
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Separate the chiles from the onions and garlic. Coarsely chop the chiles.
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Skin the roasted chicken and shred the meat from the bones into a large bowl.
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Add the chopped chiles, roasted onions, and roasted garlic to the shredded chicken. Mix well.
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Return the reserved broth to a pot and boil until reduced to 1 1/2 cups.
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Pour the reduced broth over the chicken mixture, adding just enough to moisten the chicken without making it soupy.
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Serve warm with flour tortillas, Salsa Xcatic, and Salsa de Aguacate on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 220mg74%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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