Mexican Chicken Adobo Recipe
Bring the bold, smoky flavors of Mexico into your kitchen with this authentic Mexican chicken adobo recipe. Made with dried chiles, aromatic spices, and tender chicken simmered in a rich adobo sauce, this dish delivers deep traditional taste in every bite.Ready in just over an hour, it’s the perfect comfort food for weeknights or festive gatherings. Try it once and it’ll become a household favorite—bold, comforting, unforgettable.→ Save this recipe now and share the taste of true Mexican flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs skinless chicken legs
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 3 Roma tomatoes roughly chopped
- 1 white onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves peeled
- 4 dried guajillo chiles seeded and chopped
- 1 dried ancho chile seeded and chopped
- 1 dried chipotle chile seeded and chopped (optional for more heat)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth divided
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 2 dried bay leaves
Instructions
Char the Aromatics
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the tomatoes, onion, and garlic until charred and softened.
Simmer the Dried Chiles
- Add guajillo, ancho, chipotle chiles and 2 cups broth to the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes to soften the chiles. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
Blend the Adobo Sauce
- In a blender, combine the chile mixture, remaining broth, vinegar, salt, and all spices (except bay leaves). Blend until smooth.
Sear the Chicken
- In a Dutch oven, heat remaining 1 tbsp oil. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Simmer to Finish
- Pour the adobo sauce over the chicken. Add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer partially covered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve and Garnish
- Remove bay leaves. Adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with rice, tortillas, and lime wedges.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Sodium | 520mg |