Pepper Pot Plot Twist

Braised Shredded Chicken Stew with Garlic, Onions, and Tri-Color Peppers

1 hour 45 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerMexican
Herb's take

Inspired by the bold flavors of central Mexico, this dinner transforms a humble whole chicken into a pepper-packed, deeply savory stew. You'll learn how to break down a chicken and coax maximum flavor out of everyday alliums and peppers, proving that stew night can be both scientific and spicy.

Ingredients

Yield
4

Instructions

  1. 01
    Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  2. 02
    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches until golden on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer browned chicken to a plate.
  3. 03
    Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then the diced onion. Cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  4. 04
    Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, poblano, and jalapeño. Cook until the peppers begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  5. 05
    Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.
  6. 06
    Return the chicken pieces (and any juices) to the pot. Add chicken broth and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. 07
    Partially cover and cook at a low simmer for 50 minutes, turning chicken once halfway through.
  8. 08
    Remove chicken pieces to a large bowl. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat off the bone and discard skin and bones.
  9. 09
    Return shredded chicken to the pot and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
  10. 10
    Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  11. 11
    Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.
  12. 12
    Serve the stew over white rice or with warm corn tortillas, and pass lime wedges at the table for squeezing over each bowl.

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