Editorial sample recipeMexicanbeginnergluten-freedairy-freehalal

Mexican Achiote Citrus Chicken Thighs With Pickled Onions

Name: Mexican Achiote Citrus Chicken Thighs With Pickled Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 800 g halal bone-in skinless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp achiote paste; 120 ml fresh orange juice; 60 ml fresh lime juice; 4 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano; 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Succulent chicken thighs marinated in vibrant achiote paste and citrus, braised until tender and finished with quick-pickled red onions.

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

Technique to learn

Citrus Braising

Cooking seasoned poultry gently in acidic fruit juices to break down fibers and create a glossy, flavorful pan sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk together achiote paste, orange juice, half of the lime juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a bowl until smooth to make the marinade.
Step 2: Coat the chicken thighs evenly in the achiote mixture and allow to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Step 3: Combine the sliced red onion with remaining lime juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to quick-pickle, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken thighs, reserving leftover marinade.

Step 5: Sear chicken for 4 minutes per side until lightly browned, then pour in the remaining marinade and reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 6: Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 Fahrenheit (74 Celsius), then serve topped with pickled red onions.

Cooking tips

Quick-pickling the red onions in lime juice softens their bite and provides a bright contrast to the earthy achiote glaze.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Mexican; 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