Authentic Yucatecan Pollo en Salsa de Cacahuate
Tender chicken simmered in a rich, nutty peanut sauce with smoky chipotle and tangy lime. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 50 minutes blends skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, roasted and skinned peanuts, minced chipotle peppers in adobo into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup, roasted and skinned peanuts
- 2, minced chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 large, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add chicken skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, and chipotle peppers. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add peanuts, chicken broth, and lime juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt.
- Step 5: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving, garnished with additional lime juice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Yucatecan Pollo en Salsa de Cacahuate take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Authentic Yucatecan Pollo en Salsa de Cacahuate?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Yucatecan Pollo en Salsa de Cacahuate?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Yucatecan Pollo en Salsa de Cacahuate for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Yucatecan Pollo en Salsa de Cacahuate?
Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
