Pollo Encacahuatado (Mexican Peanut Chicken)
Pollo Encacahuatado (Mexican Peanut Chicken)
Ingredients
For the Peanut Sauce:
¾ cup unsalted peanuts
¼ medium white onion, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled
3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
2 ripe roma tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
1½ cups water
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (or to taste)
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
For the Chicken:
6 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on or skinless)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1½ tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the peanuts and fry them until golden, about 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
Toast the guajillo chiles briefly—about 10 seconds per side—just until they puff slightly. Remove and set aside.
Add the halved roma tomatoes to the skillet. Sear until their skins are slightly blistered, about 3–4 minutes.
Pour in the water and return the toasted chiles to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for about 30 minutes.
Once cooled, transfer the tomato-chile mixture, peanuts, onion, and garlic to a blender. Add the bouillon and oregano. Blend until completely smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken drumsticks on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil.
Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until it develops a deep golden crust.
Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat each piece thoroughly.
When the sauce reaches a gentle boil, lower the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Serve hot with fluffy rice or warm tortillas. Enjoy every savory, nutty bite!
