Des

Hey! I'm Des!

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Chili Pepper Chicken

Ahh chicken. There is so much you can do with it, yet from time to time it starts to get a little monotonous. So the other day when I was trying to figure out what to do with some chicken thighs that I had, I decided to make something I’d never made before, and it turned out pretty darn good. First I blended Mexican style stewed tomatoes with dried California chili pods to make a smokey  tomato sauce. Next I sauteed onions until they were sweet and caramelized. Finally I placed tender chicken thighs on top of the onions, poured the tomato sauce over the top and baked it in the oven. Delicious!

The peppers that I used in this recipe are more smokey than spicy, so no need to really worry about the spice factor.

Chili pepper chicken on white plate.

Chili Pepper Chicken

Chicken and caramelized onions in a smoky pepper tomato sauce.
Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 45 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 4 dried California chili pods I found them in the Hispanic food section at my grocery store
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 14.5 ounce can Mexican style stewed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper as needed
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs

Instructions
 

  • Place chili pods in a bowl, pour water over the top. Let soak for 30-45 minutes or until they soften slightly.
  • While your chili pods are soaking, in a dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onions over medium heat until they begin to caramelize, about 25 minutes.They will be slightly brown.
  • Once chili pods have softened, chop peppers, remove stems. Place peppers and stewed tomatoes in a food processor. Pulse until blended. The sauce will be a bit chunky. Add dried oregano and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them on top of caramelized onions in the Dutch oven. Pour tomato/chili mixture over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Notes

I served this with some corn and rice and it was the perfect weeknight meal. To take your rice to the next level, try using some of the water that you soaked the chilies in. It added a really nice flavor. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: chicken, Chicken thighs, dried chili peppers, mexican cusine, stewed tomatoes

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Deseree
    April 15, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    Thanks Barr! I hope you enjoy it!

  • Reply
    Barr
    April 14, 2009 at 9:21 am

    Des, yet another brilliant recipe I must try!

  • Reply
    Deseree
    April 13, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Thanks finsmom! :)
    You’re welcome Hillary!

  • Reply
    Hillary
    April 13, 2009 at 8:09 am

    This looks great! You can make this dish on Passover as well, Thanks for this recipe!

  • Reply
    finsmom
    April 10, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    This sounds delicious! You always have such great recipes!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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