Chicken in Passion Fruit-Cilantro Mojo with Roasted Pumpkin Rice and Sautéed Black Beans

Name: Chicken in Passion Fruit-Cilantro Mojo with Roasted Pumpkin Rice and Sautéed Black Beans
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Comida Latinoamericana
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2/3 cup passion fruit pulp; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 6 cloves garlic; 3 tbsp lime juice; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 12 oz pumpkin; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups water; 1 cup white onion; 1 cup red bell pepper; 14 oz cooked black beans; 1 leaf bay leaf; 2 tsp brown sugar

An original Latin American recipe featuring golden chicken thighs finished in a glossy passion fruit, garlic, cilantro, and cumin mojo, served with rice tossed with roasted pumpkin and paired with sautéed black beans with onion and bell pepper.

25 minPrep

45 minCook

70 minTotal

4Servings

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en pieces large)
160 ml passion fruit pulp (without semillas if preferred a sauce lisa)
30 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
18 g garlic (chopped)
45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
4 g ground cumin
2 g dried oregano
4 g sweet paprika
10 g salt (divided, or to taste)
2 g black pepper
350 g pumpkin (pelada and diced small)
180 g long-grain white rice (enjuagado)
480 ml water (for cocer the arroz)
150 g white onion (chopped, divided)
120 g red bell pepper (en cubitos, divided)
400 g cooked black beans (escurridos)
1 unit bay leaf
8 g brown sugar

Nutrition facts

per serving

590 kcal

Calories

38 g

Protein

52 g

Carbs

24 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

44 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

No declared allergens

Instructions

1
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Place the pumpkin on a tray and toss it with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes at 220°C / 425°F, until tender and browned at the edges.
2
2. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken with half of the garlic, 1 tablespoon lime juice, the cumin, oregano, sweet paprika, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, and the black pepper. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
3
3. For the rice, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat with 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add half of the onion and half of the red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in the rice for 1 minute. Add the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. When it comes to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and cook for 16 to 18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
4
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until deeply colored and it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F. Transfer to a plate and keep the skillet juices.
5
5. In the same skillet, reduce to medium heat and add the remaining onion, remaining red bell pepper, and remaining garlic. Cook for 3 minutes, scraping up the browned bits. Add the passion fruit pulp, remaining lime juice, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more over medium heat so it fully absorbs the passion fruit-cilantro mojo.
7
7. In another small skillet, or on a cleared side of the same pan, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the black beans, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until hot and flavorful. Remove the bay leaf.
8
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the roasted pumpkin and 2 more tablespoons chopped cilantro. Serve the pumpkin rice on each plate, add the sautéed black beans, and finish with the chicken and its passion fruit sauce.
9
9. If desired, let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving so the sauce settles better over the meat.

Chef tips

For a brighter sauce, use fresh passion fruit pulp and strain it before cooking. If you want more contrast, add a few extra drops of lime right before serving.

Substitutions

You can substitute the thighs with chicken breast, taking care not to overcook it. The pumpkin can be replaced with diced sweet potato, and the white rice with jasmine rice using the same cooking method.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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