Main Course · Dinner · Mexican ·

Spicy Mexican Adobo Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce

A delightful fusion of spicy, savory, and nutty flavors, this dish combines tender marinated chicken with a rich pumpkin seed sauce offering a Mexican culinary experience.

4.5(642 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Spicy Mexican Adobo Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
50 min
Cook
2 h 30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare the marinade

    Mix adobo paste, olive oil, lime juice, and minced garlic in a bowl.

  2. 2

    Coat the chicken

    Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade.

  3. 3

    Chill

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.

Preparing the Pumpkin Seed Sauce

  1. 1

    Toast seeds

    In a skillet, toast the pumpkin seeds over medium heat until they pop and turn golden.

    Tip: Toast pumpkin seeds for additional flavor depth.

  2. 2

    Blend the ingredients

    Transfer to a blender along with chopped jalapeño, tomatillos, and cilantro.

  3. 3

    Achieve consistency

    Blend until smooth, gradually adding chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.

How to Make Spicy Mexican Adobo Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce

Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Grilling the Chicken

    Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

  2. 2

    Making the Sauce

    Simmer the blended sauce over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. 3

    Combining Flavors

    Pour the hot sauce over grilled chicken and heat everything together in a skillet for 5 minutes.

Chef's Tips

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I store leftovers?

    Yes, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Can I make this ahead?

    Marinate the chicken a day in advance, and prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead for an easier mealtime.

    What can I substitute for adobo paste?

    If you don't have adobo paste, blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a similar flavor.

    Is there a vegetarian option?

    Replace chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.

    How do I reheat leftovers?

    Gently reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

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