This Achiote Chicken Recipe is Guaranteed to be a Crowd Favorite

Get ready to elevate your culinary game with a recipe that’s set to become your new favorite. We’re about to unveil the secrets to creating the best Achiote Chicken recipe you’ve ever tasted, and we’re not stopping there. This flavorful masterpiece is complemented by creamy and cheesy beans and a convenient microwave Mexican rice that will make you rethink weeknight dinners.

In this gastronomic adventure, we’ll guide you through each step of crafting this delectable meal. From the vibrant marinade that infuses the Achiote Chicken with irresistible flavor to the easy-to-make cheesy beans that provide the perfect sidekick, and the quick-fix microwave Mexican rice that ties it all together.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking for fresh inspiration or a busy home cook seeking a delicious and efficient dinner solution, this article is your ticket to culinary excellence. So, prepare your taste buds for a journey into the world of bold Mexican flavors, and let’s dive into this culinary masterpiece that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.

 

Achiote Chicken Recipe

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary sensation that’s sure to become your new favorite Mexican chicken dish. Our Achiote Chicken recipe is a symphony of flavors that strikes the perfect balance between ease and gourmet taste.

We start with skin-on chicken thighs, a choice that ensures maximum flavor and succulence. These thighs are generously coated with a luscious achiote paste marinade, offering a delightful combination of sweetness, smokiness, and just the right touch of spice. It’s a flavor profile that’s sure to hit the spot for both novice and seasoned palates alike.

For the sidekick, we keep things brilliantly simple. Canned beans are transformed into a creamy, cheesy delight with the addition of carefully chosen seasonings. It’s a quick and effortless way to elevate your meal.

And let’s talk about convenience. Our recipe incorporates 3-minute microwavable rice, making this dish not just delicious but also super easy to whip up, even on the busiest of weeknights.

This Achiote Chicken with Cheesy Beans and Microwave Mexican Rice is a harmonious blend of flavors and simplicity. Get ready to savor the extraordinary without the extraordinary effort – it’s a Mexican culinary masterpiece that’s sure to win a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

 

 

Prep Time: 15 Minutes (you can let the chicken marinade for up to 24 hours, or cook it instantly)

Cooking Time: 25 Minutes

Total Cooking Time from Start to Finish: 40 Minutes

Serves: 4 People

 

Ingredients

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs with Skin on (6-8 thighs)
• Achiote Paste (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 Limes
• Apple Cider Vinegar (about 2 tablespoons)
• Avocado Oil (2 tablespoons)
• Sea Salt (season to taste, about 3/4 tablespoon)
• Chili Powder (about 1/2 tablespoon)
• Paprika (about 1/2 tablespoon)
• Onion Powder (about 1/2 tablespoon)
• Garlic Powder (about 1/2 tablespoon)
• All Spice (about 1/4 tablespoon)
• Ground Cumin (about 1/4 tablespoon)
• 1 Can of Refried Beans (Season to taste with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and onion powder)
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (about 1/4 cup)
• 3 Minute Microwave Mexican Rice
• Cilantro (about 1/4 cup, just for garnish over the rice and beans)

 

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken – Stab holes through the chicken to allow the marinade to seep in and put it in a big bowl.
2. Make the Marinade – Add the following ingredients to the bowl of chicken and then stir and toss to mix it up good – achiote paste, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, sea salt, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, all spice, and ground cumin.
3. Grill the Chicken – ideally you want to use a BBQ so you can get that wonderful grill flavor, and keep the smoke and mess outside. But, if you need to you can use a cast iron pan or griddle on the stove. Get the surface very hot, spray it with olive oil or avocado oil spray so it doesn’t stick, and then put the chicken on. Close the grill or put a lid on the pan and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it has a nice crust. Flip the chicken and repeat on this side for 10 minutes. Take the chicken off and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes while you make the rice and beans.
4. Make the Beans – Grab a medium size sauce pan and place it on the stove on low to medium-low heat. Open up the can of beans and put them in the pan. Add the following ingredients (about 2 teaspoons each) – salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin. Add the cheese and stir it until it’s hot and the cheese is melted and integrated with the beans. You can use whatever type of cheese you like!
5. Make the Rice – Follow the directions on the box to make the rice. Try to get the kind where you just put it in the microwave for 3 minutes and then it’s ready. If you want, season the rice with some salted butter to make it extra delicious.
6. Plating – Get everything on the plate and then sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the beans and rice for some extra pizazz and flavor.

 

What is Achiote?

Achiote, also known as annatto, is a natural food coloring and flavoring derived from the seeds of the annatto tree (Bixa orellana), which is native to tropical regions in Central and South America. The seeds of this tree are processed to create a vibrant reddish-orange pigment that has been used for centuries in traditional cooking.

Achiote is a versatile ingredient commonly employed in a variety of culinary applications. Its primary roles include adding color to foods and imparting a subtle earthy, slightly peppery, and mildly sweet flavor. The vibrant red hue makes it a popular choice for enhancing the visual appeal of dishes, such as rice, stews, meats, and even cheese.

Beyond its culinary uses, achiote has been employed for its medicinal properties and as a natural dye in textiles and cosmetics. It has a rich history in indigenous cultures and continues to play a significant role in global cuisines, particularly in Latin American and Caribbean dishes, where it contributes not only to the taste but also to the vibrant aesthetics of traditional foods.

 

How is Achiote Paste Made?

Achiote paste, a quintessential ingredient in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, is crafted through a relatively simple yet labor-intensive process. It begins with the annatto seeds obtained from the pods of the annatto tree (Bixa orellana), known for their vibrant red-orange hue and earthy flavor. Here’s a brief overview of how achiote paste is made:

1. Harvesting and Drying: Annatto pods are collected, and the seeds are extracted. These seeds are then allowed to air-dry in the sun, which helps to reduce moisture content and enhance their shelf life.
2. Toasting: Dried annatto seeds are toasted, typically in a dry skillet or over an open flame. This step not only deepens the color but also enhances the smoky, nutty undertones of the seeds.
3. Mixing with Spices: The toasted seeds are ground into a fine powder and mixed with various spices and seasonings. The exact ingredients can vary depending on regional preferences and family recipes. Common additions include garlic, cumin, oregano, and vinegar, among others.
4. Blending and Forming Paste: The ground annatto seed mixture is blended with water or other liquids to form a thick, smooth paste. This paste is what we commonly know as achiote paste.

The resulting achiote paste is prized for its rich, earthy flavor and its ability to infuse a striking color into a wide range of dishes, from meats and rice to stews and sauces. It’s a testament to the culinary traditions of the regions where it’s used and adds a unique touch to the dishes it graces.

 

An Achiote Paste Recipe Chicken Thighs are Happy to Be Involved With

What makes an achiote paste recipe chicken thighs a joy to be involved with is the harmonious marriage of flavors and the culinary journey it promises. These succulent chicken thighs, lovingly marinated in achiote paste and various seasonings, undergo a transformation that elevates them to culinary stardom.

The heart of this dish lies in the achiote paste itself. Crafted from annatto seeds and a blend of aromatic spices, it imparts a mesmerizing earthy, slightly sweet, and mildly peppery profile to the chicken. This marinade, which boasts a rich cultural heritage in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, not only enhances the taste but also lends the dish its characteristic fiery-red hue.

As the chicken thighs soak in the flavorful embrace of the achiote paste, they become tender and aromatic. When grilled, roasted, or pan-fried to perfection, these thighs emerge with a smoky exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. The result is a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to delight the palate, making achiote paste recipe chicken thighs a delicious and satisfying dish that both the cook and the diners can happily embrace.

 

This is Why We Recommend Using Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs

When it comes to chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are widely regarded as the most flavorful cut, and for excellent reasons. These succulent thighs are prized by chefs and home cooks alike for the following key factors:

1. Moisture and Tenderness: The bone-in nature of these chicken thighs helps retain moisture during cooking, preventing them from drying out. This results in tender, juicy meat that’s incredibly satisfying to bite into.
2. Flavor Infusion: The bone-in and skin-on combination acts as a natural flavor enhancer. The bone marrow and connective tissues infuse the meat with a deep, savory taste as it cooks, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.
3. Crispy Skin: The skin, when properly cooked, crisps up beautifully, offering a delightful contrast to the tender meat beneath. This crispy skin is not only delicious but also adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
4. Versatility: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are versatile and suitable for a wide range of cooking methods, including grilling, roasting, pan-searing, and braising. They absorb marinades and seasonings exceptionally well, making them a canvas for diverse flavor profiles.
5. Cost-Effective: In addition to their exceptional flavor, these chicken thighs are often more affordable than other cuts, making them a budget-friendly choice without compromising on taste.

In summary, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are a culinary delight. They provide a burst of flavor, a juicy bite, and a satisfying texture that transforms any dish into a savory masterpiece, making them the preferred choice for many discerning cooks. With that being said, please feel free to use your favorite cuts of chicken, because this recipe would also be delicious with chicken breasts, legs, and wings too.

 

This is Why Achiote Marinated Chicken is So Good

Achiote-marinated chicken is a culinary gem, celebrated for its exquisite taste and simplicity in preparation. There are several reasons why this dish is both incredibly delicious and easy to make:

1. Achiote Paste Magic: At the heart of the recipe is achiote paste, a flavor-packed mixture of annatto seeds and spices. This paste infuses the chicken with a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and slightly peppery flavors, making every bite a delight for the taste buds.
2. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Achiote paste simplifies the marinating process significantly. By merely coating the chicken with this vibrant paste and allowing it to marinate, you achieve a complex flavor profile with minimal effort.
3. Versatility: Achiote-marinated chicken is incredibly versatile. Whether you choose to grill, roast, pan-fry, or even bake it, the flavors are always outstanding. It’s a dish that suits various cooking methods, making it adaptable to your preferences and kitchen equipment.
4. Eye-Catching Color: The vivid red-orange hue that achiote imparts to the chicken not only adds visual appeal but also hints at the explosion of flavors to come.
5. Short Prep Time: Preparing the marinade takes just a few minutes, and the marinating time allows the flavors to meld and intensify. This means you can enjoy a gourmet-level dish without investing hours in the kitchen.

In conclusion, achiote-marinated chicken is a testament to the idea that delicious food need not be complicated. Its simplicity in preparation and the incredible depth of flavor it delivers make it a favorite for those seeking a delightful and hassle-free culinary experience.