Acapulco Chicken Recipe

Posted by Percival Langley June 29, 2024

Background and History

Acapulco Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. Named after the famous beach resort town of Acapulco on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this dish captures the essence of Mexican culinary tradition. Acapulco is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, blending indigenous Mexican ingredients with Spanish influences. Acapulco Chicken typically features tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of spices, citrus, and herbs, then grilled or baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for those who love bold, tangy flavors with a hint of heat.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Useful and Interesting Facts

  • Versatile Dish: Acapulco Chicken can be served with a variety of sides such as rice, beans, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile meal option.
  • Healthy Option: This dish is packed with protein and healthy fats from the avocado, making it a nutritious choice.
  • Cultural Fusion: The recipe showcases the fusion of indigenous and Spanish flavors that characterize Mexican cuisine.

Instructions

Serves

4 people

Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Marination Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended for best flavor)
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instruction

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Preheat the Grill or Oven

  • If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Chicken

  • Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • If baking, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Prepare the Toppings

  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the toppings. Dice the avocado and tomato, and chop the fresh cilantro.

Assemble the Dish

  • Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the hot chicken breasts. Allow the cheese to melt.
  • Top each chicken breast with diced avocado, tomato, and fresh cilantro.

Serve

  • Place the chicken on a serving platter. Add a dollop of sour cream on each chicken breast.
  • Garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 2g

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
  • This dish pairs well with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad.

Allergy Warning:

  • This recipe contains dairy (Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream). Ensure to use dairy-free alternatives if you are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products.
  • Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergens before use.

What is the Acapulco chicken Ainsley?

Acapulco Chicken Ainsley refers to a vibrant and flavorful chicken dish created by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott. This dish typically includes marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh ingredients like avocado, tomato, and cilantro, capturing the essence of Mexican coastal cuisine.

What is Mexican chicken made of?

Mexican chicken is often made with chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a blend of spices, herbs, and citrus juices. Common ingredients include lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro. The chicken can be grilled, baked, or sautéed and is often served with sides like rice, beans, or tortillas.

What is Spanish chicken made of?

Spanish chicken typically features chicken pieces cooked with a rich blend of ingredients such as tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices including paprika and saffron. It may also include olives, chorizo, and sometimes wine or sherry, reflecting the diverse flavors of Spanish cuisine.

How to make chicken New Orleans?

To make Chicken New Orleans, marinate chicken breasts in a blend of Cajun spices, garlic, and lemon juice. Sauté the chicken until golden brown, then simmer in a sauce made from onions, bell peppers, celery, and tomatoes, seasoned with Creole spices. Serve over rice or with crusty bread.

What are 3 famous foods in New Orleans?

Three famous foods in New Orleans are:

  • Gumbo: A hearty stew made with meat or seafood, vegetables, and thickened with a roux.
  • Jambalaya: A rice dish with a mix of meats, such as sausage, chicken, and seafood, cooked with vegetables and Creole spices.
  • Beignets: Deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, typically enjoyed as a sweet treat.

How KFC makes its chicken?

KFC makes its chicken by marinating it in a blend of 11 secret herbs and spices. The chicken is then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and pressure-fried to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

What is New Orleans sauce made of?

New Orleans sauce often refers to a Creole or Cajun sauce, typically made from a base of tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and celery, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. It can include hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, and sometimes incorporates ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or lemon juice.

What is New Orleans style cooking called?

New Orleans style cooking is often referred to as Creole or Cajun cuisine. Creole cuisine is influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors, while Cajun cuisine has roots in French Acadian culture and emphasizes bold, spicy flavors.

What is crocodile chicken?

Crocodile chicken is a colloquial term for chicken that is prepared or flavored in a way that resembles crocodile meat dishes. It can refer to chicken cooked with similar seasonings or methods used for crocodile meat, often found in exotic or adventurous culinary settings.

What is Inferno chicken?

Inferno chicken is a dish known for its extreme spiciness. The chicken is typically marinated or coated in a fiery blend of hot peppers and spices, such as habanero or ghost peppers, and cooked to create a dish that is both flavorful and intensely hot.

Percival Langley
Latest posts by Percival Langley (see all)
Tags:
Percival Langley
View More Posts
Percival Langley, the creative force behind this site, holds the unique and delectable title of Gourmet Expert. With a passion for elevating the culinary experiences of our furry companions, Percival shares delightful and nutritious recipes that go beyond the ordinary. His site is a go-to resource for pet owners seeking to pamper their pets with gourmet treats and meals. Percival's expertise in crafting delicious and health-conscious pet cuisine is evident in the tasteful and innovative content he curates. For those who believe in treating their pets to a culinary adventure, Percival Langley's site is a flavorful journey into the world of gourmet pet delights.