I really enjoy using Mexican flavors in my every day cooking, they have a beautiful way of balancing fresh and light with spicy and fatty, it’s really fun to play with. I have spent quite a bit of time at my local latin market exploring it like a playground. I’ve become pretty good at using traditional flavors and ingredients we don’t usually see way up here in Canada.

This dish is what I would consider one step above an average taco night in terms of level of difficulty, I used my Homemade Flour Tortillas but other than that, it’s a very basic recipe that takes some familiar flavours and just adds a bit more interest. Feel free to use good, store bought tortillas.

I used some boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts here, I like t use both because the thighs have more flavour and stay moist better but the breasts add volume and  a nicer meaty texture.

This is a great meal for a crowd or for a big family dinner, I usually lay everything out and get everyone to make their own and then I just pop them in the oven. They can also be assembled as fajitas, just go through the same process but cook the peppers and onions in some oil first and then lay everything out on a board with the warm tortillas, everyone can assemble their own. The chicken can also be done as a doubled otr tripled recipe in the slow cooker all day and then just shred the chicken before serving.

 

Mexican Braised Chicken

2 Chicken Breasts, skinless and boneless

6-8 Chicken thighs, skinless and boneless

1 Tbsp Oil

2 Tsp. Kosher or Sea Salt

1 Tbsp Chili Powder

2 Tsp Salt

1 Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped

1 Tbsp Honey

4 Cups Chicken Stock

 

Heat the oil in a pan on medium/high heat, add the chicken and brown it, turning it once, season with salt. Combine all other ingredients in a bowl and mix, add to the chicken and cover, cook covered on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes. Most of liquid will be evaporated, the chicken will be fully cooked and will shred easily.

To assemble for the dinner, simply pile the ingredients you like on a board, for me it was the end of the week and I was low on groceries so I kept it simple but if I had been putting it together for a party, I would have avocado, green onions, jalapenos and banana pepper rings, guacamole, peppers, cheese, sour cream, pico de gaillo, diced tomatoes etc… Do it however you like and include your favorite hot sauces, this is meant to be a fun party idea…and don’t forget the margheritas!