Bold & Flavorful Churu Chicken Amarillo
Bold & Flavorful Churu Chicken Amarillo is a vibrant and savory dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in creamy, rich Churu sauce with the bright warmth of Amarillo peppers. This recipe offers a unique flavor fusion that is quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests, delivering an explosion of tasty layers with every bite.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: South American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
- 3–4 Amarillo peppers, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Churu sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop Amarillo peppers, garlic, and onion. Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs and pat them dry to ensure a nice sear later. Gather all other ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down first and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. This locks in flavor and builds a delicious base for the sauce. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and Amarillo peppers until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. The caramelization brings natural sweetness and bright pepper flavor.
- Simmer with Churu Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the Churu sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, allowing it to absorb the bold flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
Notes
- Pat dry chicken skin for a better sear and crispier texture.
- Don’t rush searing; let the chicken develop a golden crust without moving it too soon.
- Use fresh Amarillo peppers for the best flavor; avoid jarred or dried.
- Simmer the dish covered to enhance tenderness and prevent drying.
- Adjust spices gradually to maintain a balanced boldness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Churu chicken, Amarillo peppers, flavorful chicken recipe, South American chicken dish, chicken thighs recipe, spicy chicken, quick chicken dinner, meal prep chicken