Spicy and Succulent Chicken Chorizo: A Flavor Fiesta

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 200g of chorizo sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced chorizo. Cook for a few minutes until the chorizo is crispy.
  5. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  6. Stir in the remaining smoked paprika and chili flakes (if using), then add the canned diced tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  8. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Before serving, sprinkle the chicken chorizo with chopped fresh parsley.
  10. Enjoy hot with bread, rice, or your choice of sides.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients
  • Chef's knife - Essential for cutting and slicing the chicken, vegetables, and chorizo
  • Frying pan - Used for cooking the chicken, chorizo, and vegetables
  • Spatula - Helps in flipping and stirring the ingredients in the pan
  • Measuring cups - Used to accurately measure the chicken stock
  • Measuring spoons - For precise measurements of spices like smoked paprika and chili flakes
  • Can opener - Needed to open the canned diced tomatoes
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan
  • Tongs - Helps in handling and flipping the chicken breasts
  • Ladle - Used for serving the chicken chorizo and its delicious sauce

Recipe variations

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
  • Replace the chorizo sausage with spicy Italian sausage for a different twist.
  • Add some vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to add more nutritional value.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
  • For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeno or use hot smoked paprika.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, or cumin to customize the flavor profile.
  • Serve the chicken chorizo over pasta or polenta instead of rice.
  • Garnish with crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for an extra savory touch.
  • Add a splash of white wine or sherry to the sauce for a more complex taste.
  • Create a smoky flavor by grilling the chicken breasts before adding them to the sauce.

Recipe overview

This delicious Chicken Chorizo recipe brings a taste of Spain to your dining table. It's a flavorful dish that pairs succulent chicken with smoky chorizo, all simmered in a rich and spicy tomato sauce. The addition of bell peppers and onions adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also easy to make. Within an hour, you'll have a hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for weekend guests. Enjoy this dish with some crusty bread, fluffy rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

Common questions

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  2. Can I substitute the chorizo sausage? If you can't find chorizo sausage, you can substitute it with any other spicy sausage of your choice. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
  3. Is the chili flakes necessary? No, the chili flakes are optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit them without significantly impacting the overall taste of the dish.
  4. What can I serve with chicken chorizo? Chicken chorizo goes well with rice, crusty bread, or even with a side of roasted vegetables. Choose your favorite side dish to complement the flavors of the dish.
  5. How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce or omit the chili flakes altogether.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors tend to develop further if left to sit for a while.
  7. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Chorizo, the delightful, spicy sausage that gives this dish its name, has deep roots in Spain, specifically in the region of Extremadura. In this rugged, rural area, the tradition of charcuterie has been honed over centuries, and chorizo is one of its finest products. Smoky, spicy, and robust, the chorizo's flavor profile comes from Pimentón de la Vera, a smoked paprika that is a hallmark of the region. Brought over to Spain in the 15th century after Columbus' voyage to the New World, the peppers used for this unique spice quickly became a staple in Spanish cuisine. The dish itself, Chicken Chorizo, is a modern fusion of traditional Spanish and international flavors. It combines the hearty, rustic flavor of chorizo with chicken, a universally loved ingredient. This meeting of flavors symbolizes not just culinary innovation, but also the blending of cultures and cuisines that has occurred over centuries of trade, travel, and shared love for food. It truly embodies the spirit of Spanish culinary tradition, while embracing a global palate.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.