Description
Bold & Flavorful Churu Chicken Amarillo is a vibrant, creamy chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a tangy Amarillo chili cream sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of mild heat and fruity tang, accented with fresh cilantro and lime juice, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make meal that pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or polenta. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it delivers bold flavors and eye-catching colors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on recommended
- 2 tablespoons Amarillo chili paste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion and cilantro. Set aside all prepared ingredients for easy access during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. This seals in the juices and creates a crisp exterior. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Amarillo chili paste and cook for 1 more minute to release the aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and lime juice, stirring until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Cook Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the Amarillo cream sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld deeply.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the lid, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning with salt or additional lime juice as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish just before serving for brightness and color. Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the chicken.
Notes
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat and deeper sauce flavor.
- Do not rush searing; a golden crust adds important texture and flavor.
- Always use fresh lime juice for the best bright acidity.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to intensify flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: chicken, Amarillo chili, creamy sauce, Latin American, cilantro, lime, gluten free, weeknight dinner, vibrant flavors
