Editorial sample recipeCubanintermediatedairy-freegluten-freehalal

Cuban Coconut Achiote Braised Chicken

Name: Cuban Coconut Achiote Braised Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1.5 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, halal certified; 2 tbsp achiote oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced; 4 clove garlic, minced; 1 cup coconut milk, full-fat unsweetened; 0.5 cup chicken broth, low-sodium, halal certified; 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tsp ground cumin

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy coconut broth infused with achiote oil, garlic sofrito, sweet bell peppers, and fresh citrus.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 50 min

Technique to learn

Sofrito Base Braising

Sautéing aromatic vegetables in oil to create a flavorful foundation before braising proteins in seasoned liquid.

Instructions

Step 1: Season chicken thighs evenly on all sides with ground cumin, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 2: Heat achiote oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 3: Sear chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer them to a clean plate.

Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 5: Pour in coconut milk, chicken broth, and fresh lime juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom.

Step 6: Return chicken thighs and gathered juices to the skillet, cover with lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 Fahrenheit.

Cooking tips

Achiote oil gives this dish its traditional vibrant reddish-orange hue and subtle earthy taste.
Serve over warm long-grain white rice to soak up the rich coconut sofrito gravy.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Cuban; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

Sign in to save this recipe, plan it, and log it when you cook it.

Sign in