Are you craving the vibrant flavors of Mexico but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Look no further! We want to hear from you, the food enthusiasts, about your go-to 15-minute Mexican dish that never fails to satisfy your taste buds. With its rich traditions and bold culinary heritage, Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and mouthwatering flavors. Whether it’s a zesty salsa, a quick and easy taco recipe, or a refreshing salad bursting with all the colors of the rainbow, we want you to share your favorite 15-minute Mexican dish with us. Let’s bring the taste of Mexico straight to your table in no time!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Mexican dish, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken breast
Tender and juicy chicken breast serves as the main protein in this dish. Ensure that your chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
Bell peppers
Colorful and vibrant bell peppers add a delicious crunch and sweetness to the dish. You can use a variety of bell peppers, such as red, green, or yellow, to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Onion
Chopped onion adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish. You can use any type of onion, such as white, yellow, or red, based on your preference.
Tomatoes
Juicy and ripe tomatoes bring a burst of freshness to the dish. Dicing the tomatoes gives a nice texture to the final dish.
Garlic
Garlic adds a depth of flavor to any dish, and this Mexican recipe is no exception. Make sure to finely mince the garlic cloves for even distribution throughout the dish.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and vegetables, adding a subtle fruity and earthy flavor to the dish. It also helps to prevent sticking and provides a healthy fat source.
Chili powder
Chili powder adds a kick of heat and a smoky flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance and preference.
Cumin
Ground cumin brings warm and earthy flavors to this Mexican dish. This versatile spice is commonly used in many Mexican recipes to enhance the overall taste and aroma.
Paprika
Paprika adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, as well as a vibrant red color. Look for smoked paprika for a more robust and smoky taste.
Salt and pepper
These basic seasonings help to enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients. Adding salt and pepper to taste is essential for a well-balanced dish.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, it’s important to properly prepare all the ingredients. Here’s what you need to do:
Prep the ingredients
Gather all the necessary ingredients and place them on your workspace. This makes the cooking process more efficient.
Slice the chicken breast
Take the boneless and skinless chicken breast and slice it into thin, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
Chop the bell peppers and onion
Wash the bell peppers and remove the seeds and stems. Then, chop them into thin strips or small square pieces. Similarly, peel and chop the onion into small, evenly-sized pieces.
Dice the tomatoes and garlic
Wash the tomatoes and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely mince the garlic cloves to release their aroma and flavor.
Cooking
Now that all the ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these steps to create the perfect Mexican dish:
Heat olive oil in a skillet
Place a skillet or frying pan on the stove and heat it over medium heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil and let it heat up until shimmering.
Add the chicken and cook until browned
Carefully add the sliced chicken breast to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown on all sides, stirring occasionally for even cooking. This should take around 5-6 minutes.
Add the bell peppers, onion, tomatoes, and garlic
Next, add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. After a couple of minutes, add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic.
Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Start with a small amount of each spice and adjust to your taste preferences. Stir everything together to evenly coat the ingredients with the spices.
Finishing Touches
To add the final touches to your Mexican dish, follow these steps:
Cover and simmer for 10 minutes
Place a lid or cover on the skillet and lower the heat to a simmer. Allow the flavors to meld together for about 10 minutes, ensuring that the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Serve hot and garnish with cilantro
Once the dish is ready, transfer it to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for added freshness and a burst of flavor.
Add a squeeze of lime juice
For that extra zing of citrus flavor, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the dish. This brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing element.
Optional: Serve with tortillas or rice
To complete your Mexican meal experience, you can serve this delicious dish with warm tortillas or steamed rice. These accompaniments help to soak up the flavorful sauce and create a satisfying meal.
Variations
Want to switch up the flavors? Here are some variations you can try:
Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu
If you follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to try a meat-free version, you can replace the chicken with tofu. Cube the tofu and cook it in the same way as the chicken, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Seafood option: Add shrimp or fish
For a seafood twist, you can add shrimp or fish to the dish. Simply substitute the chicken with your choice of seafood and adjust the cooking time accordingly. This adds a delightful taste of the sea to the Mexican flavors.
Spicy version: Add jalapenos or cayenne pepper
If you love a spicy kick, consider adding sliced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dish. This adds an extra level of heat and intensifies the flavors.
Cheesy version: Top with melted cheese before serving
For the cheese lovers, you can take the dish to the next level by adding a generous amount of melted cheese on top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the cooked chicken and vegetables and let it melt before serving. Cheesy and comforting goodness!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of your Mexican dish:
Marinate the chicken for added flavor
To infuse the chicken with even more flavor, marinate it in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and your choice of Mexican spices for a couple of hours before cooking. This step tenderizes the meat and enhances the overall taste.
Use a pre-made Mexican spice blend for convenience
If you’re short on time or don’t have all the individual spices on hand, you can use a pre-made Mexican spice blend. These blends are readily available in most grocery stores and contain a combination of spices commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
Add a splash of tequila for an extra kick
For an added burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of tequila to the dish. Tequila adds a subtle tang and enhances the overall taste profile. Add it after the chicken is cooked and let it cook off for a minute or two.
Try different types of peppers for variation
While bell peppers are the classic choice for this dish, you can also experiment with different types of peppers to add variation. Serrano peppers or poblano peppers can bring a different level of heat and flavor to the dish.
Pairing Suggestions
To complete your Mexican feast, here are some delicious pairing suggestions:
Mexican rice
Serve your 15-minute Mexican dish with fluffy and seasoned Mexican rice. The combination of flavors will transport you straight to Mexico.
Refried beans
Add a scoop of creamy, flavorful refried beans to your plate. The smooth texture and rich taste complement the spices in the main dish perfectly.
Guacamole and salsa
No Mexican meal is complete without some homemade guacamole and salsa. The creamy avocados and vibrant tomatoes bring freshness and tanginess to the overall experience.
Tortilla chips
Crunchy tortilla chips are the perfect accompaniment to this Mexican dish. Dip them into salsa or guacamole for a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Transfer any leftover Mexican dish into an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can either reheat them in a skillet over low heat or microwave them. Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating.
Add fresh toppings and herbs before serving
Before serving the reheated leftovers, add some fresh toppings and herbs to brighten up the flavors. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice to bring back the vibrant taste.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully prepared a quick and delicious Mexican dish that brings the authentic taste of Mexico to your table. In just 15 minutes, you transformed simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Now you can experiment with different variations, share your recipe with friends and family, and indulge in the vibrant and spicy flavors of Mexico any time you desire. Enjoy!