How to Make Spanish Pollo al Chilindrón con Jamón: Chicken with Peppers and Ham

• 1-What Is Pollo al Chilindrón?
• 2-Ingredients for Pollo al Chilindrón con Jamón
• 3-How to Make Pollo al Chilindrón
• 4-Tips for Making the Best Pollo al Chilindrón
• 5-Where to Enjoy Pollo al Chilindrón

1. What Is Pollo al Chilindrón?

Pollo al Chilindrón is a traditional Spanish chicken dish, typically made with chicken, peppers, tomatoes, and a touch of ham for added richness. This dish hails from the northern regions of Spain, particularly Aragón, and is often associated with rustic, hearty Spanish cooking. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful vegetables creates a satisfying and aromatic meal that's beloved in Spanish households and restaurants alike.

The addition of jamón, a type of Spanish cured ham, brings a savory depth to the dish, making it even more irresistible. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly exceptional in Spanish cuisine.

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2. Ingredients for Pollo al Chilindrón con Jamón

To make Pollo al Chilindrón con Jamón, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here's a simple list of what you’ll need:

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2.1 Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or you can use chicken breasts)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup of dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

2.2 Special Ingredient: Jamón

• 1/2 cup of diced jamón (Spanish cured ham)

2.3 Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon of paprika (preferably smoked)
• Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients combine to create the rich, savory flavors that make Pollo al Chilindrón a Spanish classic. The key to its taste lies in the balance between the sweet peppers, the acidity of the tomatoes, and the depth of the ham and wine.

3. How to Make Pollo al Chilindrón

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this flavorful Spanish dish. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal that will transport you straight to Spain!

3.1 Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear both sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3.2 Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften. The goal is to develop the flavors by allowing the vegetables to caramelize slightly.

3.3 Add the Tomatoes and Jamón

Once the vegetables are softened, add the chopped tomatoes and diced jamón to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the tomatoes to cook down and form a bit of a sauce. Add the white wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off, leaving behind a rich, flavorful base.

3.4 Simmer the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vegetables and sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The chicken will absorb all the flavors from the peppers, tomatoes, and ham, resulting in a rich and comforting dish.

3.5 Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked, give the sauce a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve your Pollo al Chilindrón with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy the perfect blend of savory flavors with a glass of Spanish wine for an authentic Spanish meal experience!

4. Tips for Making the Best Pollo al Chilindrón

To make sure your Pollo al Chilindrón turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

4.1 Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor

If you prefer a more flavorful dish, consider using bone-in chicken. The bones add extra depth to the dish and make the sauce even more rich and savory. You can easily remove the bones once the chicken is cooked if you prefer boneless meat.

4.2 Allow Time for the Sauce to Develop

One of the secrets to a great Pollo al Chilindrón is allowing the sauce to develop slowly. Don’t rush the simmering process—this is when the flavors truly come together. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more complex the flavors will be.

4.3 Add a Touch of Spice

If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper to the dish. This will give the Pollo al Chilindrón an extra kick, balancing the sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes.

5. Where to Enjoy Pollo al Chilindrón

While making Pollo al Chilindrón at home is an amazing way to enjoy this dish, you can also find it at many Spanish restaurants or tapas bars across the United States. The dish is particularly popular in areas with a large Spanish or Mediterranean influence, such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. If you're craving authentic Spanish flavors, visiting a local Spanish restaurant can provide a similar experience without the need to cook.

For all the ingredients and kitchen tools you need to make the best Pollo al Chilindrón at home, visit Rubi Spanish Table. We offer a wide range of Spanish products and culinary tools that will help you bring the taste of Spain straight to your kitchen!