We’ve always loved how Colorado’s rugged landscapes inspire bold flavors, and our Colorado Chicken Recipe captures that spirit perfectly. This hearty dish draws from the state’s fresh ingredients and mountain vibes, blending tender chicken with a touch of Southwestern zest for a meal that’s easy to crave.
What makes it special is its balance of spice and comfort, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. We’ll guide you through creating this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To craft our Colorado Chicken Recipe with its bold Southwestern flavors, we start by assembling these essential ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re used, from preparation to cooking, ensuring you have everything ready for a seamless experience.
- Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Aromatics: 1 large onion, finely chopped, and 4 garlic cloves, minced, to build the foundational zest that captures Colorado’s rugged essence.
- Vegetables: 2 bell peppers (one red and one green), sliced into strips, and 1 cup of fresh corn kernels, to add vibrant color and a hearty crunch that complements the dish’s spice.
- Spices and Seasonings: 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, combined for a balanced heat that defines our recipe’s crave-worthy profile.
- Liquids and Binders: 1 cup of chicken broth for moisture, 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, to create a rich, comforting base.
- Finishing Touches: 1 cup of black beans, rinsed and drained, and fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for the final layer of texture and freshness that elevates this family-friendly meal.
Tools and Equipment
Having gathered our fresh ingredients for the Colorado Chicken Recipe, we now turn to the essential tools and equipment that make preparation straightforward and efficient. Selecting the right items ensures we handle everything from chopping to cooking with precision, allowing the bold flavors of this dish to shine through seamlessly.
We recommend the following tools, listed in the order they are typically used during the recipe process:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board is crucial for safely chopping our 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken into cubes and dicing vegetables like onions and bell peppers. Opt for a large one to accommodate multiple ingredients at once.
- Chef’s knife: This sharp, reliable knife helps us quickly and evenly cut the chicken and aromatics such as garlic, reducing prep time while maintaining food safety.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for spices like chili powder and cumin, so we use these to ensure the perfect balance of Southwestern zest in our dish.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For searing the chicken cubes and simmering the mixture with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and black beans, a 12-inch skillet provides even heat distribution and ample space for stirring without spills.
- Spatula or tongs: We rely on a heat-resistant spatula for flipping and stirring ingredients like corn and bell peppers, or tongs for handling the chicken to achieve that ideal golden sear.
- Can opener: This simple tool is necessary for opening cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles and black beans, ensuring we incorporate these elements smoothly into the recipe.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the cooking process and enhance our overall experience with the Colorado Chicken Recipe, making it easier to create a hearty, flavorful meal every time.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting the Colorado Chicken Recipe with precision and ease for a burst of Southwestern zest in every bite.
Prep Work
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything integrates smoothly and efficiently. Start by cubing the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces using our sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board—this step enhances even cooking and allows the spices to penetrate deeply for maximum flavor.
Next, finely chop 1 medium onion and 3 garlic cloves to release their aromatic essence that forms the base of our dish. Dice 2 bell peppers (we recommend one red and one green for vibrant color and sweet crunch) and drain a 15-ounce can of corn and a 15-ounce can of black beans to add texture and heartiness.
Measure out our spice blend accurately with measuring spoons: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika—these create the bold, smoky profile inspired by Colorado’s rugged landscapes. Finally, gather 1 cup chicken broth, a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, and a handful of fresh cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Cooking
With our prep complete, we move to the stovetop where the real magic happens in our large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the cubed chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides—the sizzle promises a crispy exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.
Incorporate the chopped onion and garlic, stirring for 2 minutes until they soften and release a fragrant, savory aroma that fills the kitchen. Add the diced bell peppers, corn, and black beans, cooking for another 3 minutes to blend their vibrant colors and crisp textures.
Sprinkle in the spice blend (chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika), stirring to coat everything evenly for a warm, earthy scent. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chiles, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens to a rich, comforting consistency that evokes the hearty comfort of a mountain meal.
Serving
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro for a burst of bright, herbaceous notes that elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile. Divide the Colorado Chicken Recipe into bowls or plates, serving it hot to highlight its spicy warmth and tender textures—pair with warm tortillas or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
For an eye-catching presentation, garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime for zesty contrast, making this meal a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or casual gatherings.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Colorado Chicken Recipe to bring the spirit of the Rockies right to your table. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that elevates everyday meals with its bold Southwestern vibes.
Whether you’re feeding family or friends we’ll bet it becomes your go-to favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out—we’re confident it’ll spice up your routine in the best way possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Colorado Chicken Recipe?
The Colorado Chicken Recipe is a hearty dish inspired by Colorado’s rugged landscapes, featuring bold Southwestern flavors. It combines fresh ingredients like cubed chicken, vegetables, and spices for a balanced mix of spice and comfort. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and becomes a kitchen staple with its crave-worthy taste.
What ingredients are needed for the Colorado Chicken Recipe?
You’ll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken cubes, aromatics like onion and garlic, veggies such as bell peppers and corn, spices including chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, plus chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, olive oil, and fresh cilantro. These create a rich, flavorful base that’s simple to assemble.
What tools and equipment are required for the Colorado Chicken Recipe?
Essential tools include a sturdy cutting board and sharp chef’s knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a large skillet or Dutch oven for even cooking, heat-resistant spatula or tongs for handling ingredients, and a can opener for canned items. These ensure a smooth, efficient cooking process.
How do you prepare the Colorado Chicken Recipe step by step?
Start by prepping ingredients: cube chicken, chop veggies, and measure spices. Sear the chicken in a skillet with oil, then sauté onions, garlic, and veggies. Add spices, broth, tomatoes, and beans; simmer until flavors meld. Finish with fresh cilantro and lime. Serve hot for a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
Is the Colorado Chicken Recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it’s ideal for family dinners due to its balanced spice and comfort, using fresh, wholesome ingredients. The recipe serves a crowd, is straightforward to make, and appeals to all ages with customizable heat levels. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings without much fuss.