Pic Credit: Yummy Kitchen
Pollo Mechado is a flavorful Venezuelan shredded chicken dish that can be enjoyed during family gatherings. It is flavored, very easy to prepare, and can be taken in various ways. This recipe represents just simple ingredients and easy steps that make cooking easy even for beginners. Follow through the guide to create a deliciously authentic Pollo Mechado at home.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
To make this delightful pollo mechado recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, about 3 pounds
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Water
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Ensure that all vegetables are chopped in the same size so that all cook properly.
- Take fresh ingredients for a better taste.
- As chicken is going to be used raw so it has to be handled very cautiously to avoid cross-contamination. Wash hands and all the surfaces that have come in contact thoroughly.
- Chicken: This can be made with chicken breasts or thighs if you so desire to use those instead of a whole chicken.
- Bell Peppers: The red and green ones add color and flavor to it.
- Tomato Paste: This adds richness to the sauce.
Pollo Mechado (Shredded Chicken)
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken thighs if you want a more moist texture.
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Chicken Broth: You can use homemade or low-sodium store-bought broth to best effect.
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Spices: Choose the level of spiciness as per your taste.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Cooking the Chicken: Take one whole chicken and put it into a large pot, add water to it, and bring it to a boil, then let it simmer until the chicken is well-cooked—about 45 minutes. Take out the chicken and let it cool off. Save the broth.
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Shredding of Chicken: Let the chicken cool down, then shred the chicken with two forks or by using your hands, discarding the skin and bones.
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Make the sauce by heating some vegetable oil in a big pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic and sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
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Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and black pepper and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Combine and Simulate: Add the shredded chicken in this pan. Add about 2 cups of that reserved chicken broth and mix well. Let this simmer for 2025 minutes so that the flavors will meld together. Season with salt to taste.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Spicing it Up: Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, and you'll get a spicier version.
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Alternative Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with jackfruit for the plantbased equivalent.
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Ideas for Serving: Serve Pollo Mechado with rice, arepas, or in sandwiches.
EQUIPMENT
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Large pot
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Large pan
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Cutting board
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Knife
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Wooden spoon
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Forks
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
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Serve hot with a side of rice or stuffed inside warm arepas.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley to add color and flavor.
Are you looking for another tasty chicken dish? Creamy Poblano Chicken Recipe is a flavorful twist!
