Chicken Pepian with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
A rich and hearty Guatemalan chicken stew simmered with a blend of toasted spices and thickened with roasted pumpkin seeds for a nutty depth. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, medium, quartered white onion, peeled garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 medium, quartered white onion
- 4, peeled garlic cloves
- 3, stems and seeds removed dried guajillo chilies
- 2, stems and seeds removed dried pasilla chilies
- 1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 large, quartered tomato
- 1, torn into pieces corn tortilla
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium quartered white onion, 4 peeled garlic cloves, and 1 large quartered tomato. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Toast 3 dried guajillo chilies, 2 dried pasilla chilies, 1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, and 1 tsp black peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until aromatic, then transfer to a blender.
- Step 4: Add the sautéed vegetables, 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds, and 1 torn corn tortilla to the blender with the toasted spices. Blend with 1 cup chicken broth until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the blended sauce back into the pot, add the browned chicken thighs, remaining 3 cups chicken broth, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and chicken is tender.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with rice or warm tortillas.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken Pepian with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chicken Pepian with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Pepian with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds?
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 Chicken Pepian with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Chicken Pepian with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds?
Latin American chicken 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.
