Achiote Chicken with Roasted Pineapple Salsa
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to bring that vibrant, tropical pattern flavour to your cooking? This is it. Fancy a taste of the sun? This Achiote Chicken with Roasted Pineapple Salsa recipe will transport you straight to the Caribbean! It’s like a mini festival of flavours.
Sun-Kissed Flavours: Achiote Chicken is Calling!
Achiote is the secret weapon here. It is a spice from annatto seeds uses , giving the chicken a gorgeous colour and a lovely earthy taste.
Think of it as a warm hug for your taste buds. This isn't just dinner. It's an experience. Honestly, you'll wonder where this has been all your life.
It's Mexican food with a Caribbean cuisine twist.
Flavour Fiesta: Overview of This Tasty Dish
This recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavours of Yucatan recipes and the wider Caribbean cuisine . Don't worry, it's not a marathon cook; it's more of a leisurely stroll.
With only 15 minutes active prep, in 1 hour - 1 hour 10 minutes you can create 4 servings and will be eating like royalty! This is your passport to a flavour adventure, no actual travel required!
Benefits of This Mouthwatering Recipe
This Achiote Chicken is packed with protein. It's also a great source of vitamin C, thanks to that amazing pineapple salsa.
The roasted pineapple salsa adds a touch of sweetness. This is perfect for marinade recipes that will make any fruit juicy.
It is ideal for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or any time you need a little sunshine in your life. But don't take my word for it, "Taste it to believe it!".
This recipe is special because it’s simple, flavourful, and brings the sunshine to your table. Now, shall we talk ingredients? What if you need an achiote paste substitute ?
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, let’s dive into what you'll need! This Achiote Chicken with Roasted Pineapple Salsa is seriously bursting with flavour. It reminds me of a Tropical Pattern I saw on holiday once vibrant and unforgettable.
You’ll feel like you're at a Festival celebrating amazing food.
Main Ingredients: Your Flavor Arsenal
For this recipe, quality ingredients are KEY.
- Achiote Paste: 2 ounces (57g) – This is our star. If you want to explore other Annatto seeds uses , feel free. It gives that beautiful color and earthy flavour we all love.
- Orange Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Seriously, don't skimp on the garlic.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Chicken Thighs: 4 (about 6 ounces/170g each), boneless and skinless.
- Fresh Pineapple: 1/2 , cored and cut into 1 inch chunks. It needs to be ripe!
- Red Onion: 1/4 , diced
- Red Bell Pepper: 1/2 , diced
- Jalapeño Pepper: 1/2 , seeded and minced (optional).
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, obviously!
Honestly, getting good achiote paste is a game changer. If you can't find it, a good achiote paste substitute is mixing paprika, cumin, and a tiny bit of chili powder, but it won't be quite the same.
Trust me.
Seasoning Secrets: Flavor Fireworks
The marinade is where the magic happens!
- Essential spice combinations : Oregano and cumin are best mates.
- Flavor enhancers : Garlic and lime juice brighten everything up.
- Quick substitution options : If you're out of fresh garlic, garlic powder will do in a pinch. I use Mexican food all the time with this one.
Equipment Essentials: Keep It Simple
You really don't need a fancy kit for this.
- Blender or food processor: For blitzing the marinade. A jug and fork works too.
- Large bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Baking sheet: For roasting the pineapple.
- Grill or grill pan: To give the chicken that awesome char. A frying pan works too. Remember to adapt these Yucatan recipes to your taste! Caribbean cuisine is your best friend. Make this delicious marinade recipes and enjoy the roasted pineapple salsa !
Achiote Chicken with Roasted Pineapple Salsa: Taste of the Tropical Pattern
Oh my gosh, you guys, this recipe! Honestly, it's like a festival in your mouth! Achiote chicken with roasted pineapple salsa is where it's at.
We're talkin' tender, flavour packed chicken drenched in a vibrant marinade, topped with the most amazing sweet and smoky salsa. Ready to kick things up a notch?
Prep Like a Pro for Yucatan Recipes
First, let's get our stuff together. This is called mise en place , Frenchy! It basically means getting everything prepped and ready to go.
Chop your veggies, measure your spices, and get that chicken ready for its Caribbean cuisine marinade bath. To save time, prep the salsa ingredients while the pineapple roasts.
Don't forget to wash your hands!
Achiote Chicken, Step by Delicious Step
- Make the Marinade: Whizz together 2 ounces (57g) of achiote paste , 1/4 cup (60ml) of orange juice, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil in a blender.
- Marinate the Chicken: Plop 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a bowl, pour over the marinade, and make sure they are all covered. Cover and chuck it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better!
- Prep Salsa Ingredients: Chop 1/2 a pineapple, 1/4 of a red onion, and 1/2 a red bell pepper. Mince 1/2 a jalapeño. Chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro.
- Roast the Pineapple: Toss the pineapple with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for 15- 20 minutes . Look for that caramelised yumminess!
- Assemble the Salsa: Mix the roasted pineapple, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lime juice in a bowl. Season to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Ensure the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) .
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Marinade Recipes
Want to know the secret to next level chicken? Don't skip the marinating time! Honestly, it makes the chicken taste delicious and tender.
Roasting the pineapple until it's slightly charred adds a crazy good smoky flavor. If you can't find achiote paste, you can try mixing paprika, cumin, and a bit of chili powder as an achiote paste substitute .
But the annatto seeds uses and vibrant flavour of achiote is what truly makes this recipe pop. If you prepare this mexican food , consider that pineapple roast can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge! I made this last year for a garden party, and everyone loved it! The tropical pattern was a success.
Seriously, you're going to love this recipe. The combination of the earthy chicken and the sweet and spicy salsa is just divine.
I sometimes serve mine with roasted pineapple salsa to add a fruit based condiment. Give it a go!
Recipe Notes
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs about this amazing Achiote Chicken dish. These are my little nuggets of wisdom, learned from whipping this up time and again.
Honestly, these tips make all the difference!
Fab Serving Ideas
Presentation, people, presentation! Pile that vibrant chicken high. A nice bed of fluffy coconut rice is always a winner. Want to get fancy? Sprinkle a bit more fresh cilantro on top.
For an extra oomph , serve with a side of smoky grilled corn. It screams summer festival vibes. A super refreshing lime margarita is never a bad idea, you know? It really complements those Caribbean cuisine flavours.
Ace Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers. They'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days .
To reheat, microwave 'em gently or, even better, warm the chicken in a low oven at 275° F ( 135° C) to keep it moist.
Freezing? I wouldn't recommend freezing the salsa, as the texture might go a bit weird. But the chicken itself freezes well for up to 2 months .
Just defrost it thoroughly before reheating.
Variations Get Creative!
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just watch them carefully, as they can dry out if overcooked.
For a veggie twist, use firm tofu or halloumi. Both work brilliantly with the achiote marinade . You fancy spicing things up a bit, too? Add an extra jalapeño to the Roasted Pineapple Salsa ! Or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade recipes .
If you are out of stock of achiote paste substitute , even if I don't advise this, mix paprika with cumin, oregano and a tiny pinch of chilli powder
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's keep it real. This dish is pretty good for you! It's packed with protein from the chicken. It's also loaded with vitamins from all those fresh veggies.
We are talking around 400-450 calories per serving. Each one offering roughly 40g protein, 20g fat, and 25g carbohydrates. Fibre wise, you're looking at about 3g, with around 15g of sugar.
This includes the fruit sweetness, and around 500mg of sodium. A proper tropical pattern of goodness!
So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and pretty darn healthy meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with it.
Honestly, cooking should be fun! Give it a go and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is achiote, and what does it taste like?
Achiote is a spice derived from the seeds of the annatto tree. It's often used to impart a vibrant color and subtle earthy flavor to dishes. Think of it as having a mild, slightly peppery taste with a hint of sweetness not spicy hot, just warmly aromatic, like a hug from a distant aunt who's been baking all day!
I can't find achiote paste anywhere! What can I use instead?
Finding achiote paste can be a bit like hunting for rocking horse poo sometimes! While nothing truly replicates the unique flavour and colour, a mixture of paprika (for colour), cumin (for earthiness), and a tiny pinch of chili powder (for a bit of warmth) can work in a pinch.
But seriously, try to find the real deal it's worth the effort, promise! Some specialist shops might be able to help with that
How long can I marinate the chicken in the achiote marinade? Is overnight too long?
Marinating the chicken is key to getting that delicious achiote flavour! You can marinate it for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best results, aim for at least a few hours. Overnight is perfectly fine in fact, it's ideal.
Just make sure the chicken is properly covered and stored in the refrigerator to keep it safe. It's like letting a good pot of stew sit overnight, the flavour just keeps improving!
I'm not a fan of pineapple. What else could I use in the salsa to go with the achiote chicken?
Not a pineapple fan? No worries, we all have our culinary quirks! Mango is a fantastic alternative that offers a similar sweetness and tropical vibe. You could also try using grilled peaches or even a combination of bell peppers, red onion, and corn for a more savoury salsa.
Remember to balance the flavors with lime juice and a touch of heat to complement the achiote.
Can I freeze the achiote marinated chicken?
Absolutely! Marinating meat and then freezing it is a great way to prep ahead. The achiote marinade will actually help to tenderize the chicken even further during the freezing process. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking and use it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Labelling the food before freezing can also help!
Is this achiote chicken recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This recipe can definitely be part of a healthy diet! The chicken is a great source of lean protein, and the pineapple salsa provides vitamins and fiber. To keep things even healthier, you can trim any excess fat from the chicken and use a minimal amount of oil when roasting the pineapple.
Always consider portion sizes, and serving it with whole grains can help make it a balanced meal.
Achiote Chicken With Roasted Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 425 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
