Papas con Chicken Chorizo: A Hearty and Flavorful Mexican Classic

Papas con chorizo is a traditional Mexican dish famous for its comforting blend of tender potatoes and spicy chorizo sausage. This dish is cherished in many Mexican households because it’s simple, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. While classic chorizo is typically made from pork, this version swaps in chicken chorizo, offering a leaner, healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the bold, spicy taste. Papas con chicken chorizo is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be served as a main dish or as a flavorful filling for tacos and burritos. It’s easy enough for beginner cooks to master and versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or veggies.

This article will guide you through the ingredients, preparation, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make this delicious dish your own. By the end, you’ll be confident in making papas con chicken chorizo that’s full of zest and warmth, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients and Preparation

To create the authentic taste of papas con chorizo but with chicken, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams (about 1 lb) chicken chorizo (ground chicken mixed with traditional Mexican spices like paprika, cumin, garlic, and chili powder)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped (optional for added freshness)
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers, chopped (optional, adjust for spice level)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Preparation Notes:

• Use chicken chorizo instead of pork chorizo to keep the dish lighter but still flavorful. You can find chicken chorizo at specialty stores or make your own by mixing ground chicken with the spices mentioned above.
• Choose potatoes that hold their shape well when cooked, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, to avoid them turning mushy.
• For a milder dish, remove the seeds from jalapeños or serrano peppers before cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes:
   Rinse and peel the potatoes, then dice them into small, uniform cubes about 1/2 inch in size. This size ensures even cooking and the perfect tender but firm texture.
2. Par-cook the potatoes:
   Place the diced potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside. This step speeds up cooking and ensures the potatoes are cooked evenly in the skillet later.
3. Cook the chicken chorizo:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken chorizo and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken chorizo from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful oils in the pan.
4. Sauté the aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute to release its aroma, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5. Cook the potatoes:
   Add the par-cooked potatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Spread them evenly and let cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Stir occasionally to brown the potatoes on all sides.
6. Combine ingredients:
   Return the cooked chicken chorizo to the skillet. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and jalapeños (if using). Mix well and cook for another 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Season:
   Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
8. Finish and garnish:
   Once everything is heated through and nicely combined, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a bright herbal note if desired.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Cooking the potatoes properly: Par-cooking the potatoes is key to avoid undercooked or overly mushy potatoes in the final dish. Keep an eye during boiling and drain as soon as they are fork-tender but still firm.
• Chicken chorizo alternatives: If you cannot find chicken chorizo, you can make your own by mixing ground chicken with smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Control the spice level: Adjust the amount and type of chili peppers depending on your heat tolerance. Removing the seeds reduces spiciness without losing flavor.
• Oil quantity: Using just enough oil to cook the chorizo and sauté the onions is enough since chorizo tends to release fat during cooking. Too much oil can make the dish greasy.
• Non-stick skillet: Using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan helps develop a nice crust on the potatoes without sticking or burning.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve papas con chicken chorizo with warm corn or flour tortillas for a satisfying taco filling. Add toppings like avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, or a squeeze of lime for freshness.
• Pair it with a side of refried beans or black beans for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
• For breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fried egg on top for extra protein and richness.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema on the side to balance the spiciness.
• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and diced onions for extra color and flavor.

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Engagement Features

• What’s your favorite way to enjoy papas con chicken chorizo? Do you prefer it as a taco filling, breakfast dish, or something else?
• Have you tried making your own chicken chorizo at home? What spices do you add to give it your unique flavor?
• If you want to experiment, what other vegetables would you add to this dish to make it your own?
• For those who prefer it mild, how do you modify the heat level while still keeping the authentic taste?

This recipe for papas con chicken chorizo combines the comforting texture of crispy potatoes with the smoky, spicy flavor of chicken chorizo in a simple, approachable way. Whether you’re a beginner cook or someone looking to try a healthier spin on a classic Mexican dish, this recipe will quickly become a staple. Its versatility means it can be adapted for any meal or occasion, and with just a few fresh ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, hearty dish packed with flavor. Enjoy cooking and sharing this taste of Mexico with your loved ones!