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Bold & Flavorful Churu Chicken Amarillo

Bold & Flavorful Churu Chicken Amarillo

Bold & Flavorful Churu Chicken Amarillo is a vibrant and hearty dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich and creamy Amarillo chili sauce. This recipe combines aromatic garlic, sweet onions, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice with a smooth coconut milk base, creating a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an authentic, quick, and versatile meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, potatoes, or veggies, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons Amarillo chili paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic, and rinse the chicken thighs thoroughly. Pat them dry to ensure a better sear. Measure out the Amarillo chili paste and coconut milk so you have everything ready before cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the Amarillo chili paste until well combined with the onions and garlic. Pour in the coconut milk and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and cover the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time.
  6. Finish with Freshness: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top to brighten the flavors and add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.
  • Don’t skip searing; it adds depth and great texture to the dish.
  • Adjust spice level by varying the amount of Amarillo chili paste according to your taste.
  • Fresh garlic and cilantro significantly enhance the taste and aroma.
  • Simmer on low heat to meld flavors without drying out the chicken.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Chicken Amarillo, Amarillo chili paste, creamy chicken, coconut milk chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten free chicken dish, Latin American chicken