If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, savory flavors and a little kick of spice, this Chori Pollo Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Combining juicy pieces of chicken with smoky, spicy chorizo sausage, everything simmers together to create a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a simple recipe that brings vibrant colors and amazing depth of flavor to your table, making it a perfect meal for weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Chori Pollo recipe, you’ll find the ingredients are surprisingly straightforward but truly essential. Each one plays a distinct role, whether it’s the smoky heat of the chorizo, the warmth of the spices, or the fresh brightness from garnishes and lime. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh elements, you can whip up this delicious meal quickly and easily.
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless: Use bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and better flavor absorption.
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, casing removed: The heart of this dish, bringing rich smokiness and spice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the chorizo and sauté the veggies without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a naturally sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its unmistakable garlicky punch.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Brings color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Lends gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Offers earthiness and a slight smokiness to match the chorizo.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky flavor profile perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and rounds the dish out.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a juicy, saucy texture that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.
- Lime wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lime juice adds zesty acidity that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Chori Pollo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. After about 4 to 5 minutes, the chorizo will begin to brown beautifully and release its flavorful oils, creating a fragrant base for your dish. This step is key—it’s where you’ll get that deep, smoky aroma that makes Chori Pollo so irresistible.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. This creates a wonderfully fragrant, slightly sweet foundation that complements the spicy chorizo perfectly.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season your bite-sized chicken pieces all over with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adding these spices at this point means every bit of chicken is infused with rich flavor. Add the chicken to your skillet and cook while stirring occasionally until nothing is pink anymore and the chicken is cooked through—usually around 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir to combine all the delicious bits. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. This lets the flavors marry beautifully and the chicken broth adds just enough moisture to create a saucy dish that is perfect for scooping or wrapping.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side—your guests will thank you for that fresh, citrusy zing that lifts the entire dish!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Whether you serve your Chori Pollo with warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or as a filling for tacos and burritos, this dish is incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of spicy, smoky, and fresh flavors is a guaranteed winner at any table.
How to Serve Chori Pollo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a fantastic garnish that adds a vibrant green pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness to every bite. Lime wedges are essential to squeeze over the top—they brighten up the dish and balance the rich, smoky flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Chori Pollo pairs exceptionally well with simple side dishes. Steamed white or Mexican rice absorbs the saucy goodness wonderfully. You can also serve it alongside warm corn or flour tortillas for an easy, hands-on meal. For veggies lovers, a crisp green salad or roasted street-style corn makes a refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by using your Chori Pollo as a filling for stuffed peppers, topping for nachos, or even a hearty breakfast scramble with eggs. Wrapping it up in a tortilla with avocado, salsa, and sour cream turns it into an irresistible burrito. The possibilities are endless, and it’s always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chori Pollo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain its freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save your Chori Pollo for longer, it freezes beautifully. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating helps keep it moist. Garnish again with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to revive the fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of chorizo?
While chorizo is key for that signature smoky and spicy flavor, you can substitute with a similar spicy sausage if needed, though the final flavor will differ. For the best Chori Pollo experience, stick to authentic chorizo whenever possible.
Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work well, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, breasts are fine—just be careful not to overcook them to keep the chicken tender.
Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?
Absolutely! Adjust the chili powder depending on your heat tolerance. You can add more for extra kick or tone it down for a milder version without losing the exciting flavors.
What can I serve instead of rice or tortillas?
Try serving Chori Pollo over quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. It also tastes great atop a crisp mixed green salad for a lighter meal.
Can I prepare Chori Pollo Recipe in advance for a party?
Definitely! Chori Pollo actually tastes great reheated, making it perfect for entertaining. Prepare it a day ahead and gently warm it before serving. Offer plenty of tortillas and fresh garnishes so guests can customize their own servings.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chori Pollo Recipe enough if you’re looking for a meal that’s simple to make yet full of vibrant, crave-worthy flavors. It’s a warm hug on a plate, combining spicy chorizo, tender chicken, and bright fresh garnishes in a way that feels both festive and homey. Whip it up for your next dinner—trust me, it will become a favorite fast!
Print
Chori Pollo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Chori Pollo is a flavorful, quick-cooking dish combining savory chorizo sausage and tender chicken pieces sautéed with aromatic spices and vegetables. This skillet recipe features a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, finished with a splash of chicken broth to meld the flavors. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime, it makes a delicious protein-packed meal perfect for tacos, burritos, or served alongside rice or tortillas.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, casing removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids & Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the chorizo: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 4-5 minutes until it begins to brown and releases its oils, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, enhancing the aroma and flavors.
- Season and cook chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add them to the skillet, stirring occasionally as you cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Simmer with broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld together and the liquid slightly reduces.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve lime wedges on the side for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Enjoy Chori Pollo with warm tortillas, steamed rice, or use it as a filling for tacos or burritos for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs will provide juicier, more flavorful results compared to breasts.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder or omit the smoked paprika.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the vegetables.
- Make sure to remove the casing from the chorizo to allow it to crumble and cook evenly.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated; flavors improve after resting.
