
Colombian Chicken in Passion Fruit and Annatto Sauce with Creamy Sweet Corn Rice and Pickled Cucumber
An original Colombian-inspired recipe featuring browned chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant passion fruit, hogao, and annatto sauce, served over creamy sweet corn rice with quick-pickled cucumber on the side. It balances tanginess, gentle sweetness, and classic savory Colombian aromas in a comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en pieces large)
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 4 g annatto powder
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 80 g scallions (chopped fina)
- 120 g white onion (chopped diced small)
- 300 g ripe tomato (chopped)
- 180 ml passion fruit pulp (without semillas or colada)
- 20 g grated panela
- 360 ml chicken broth (divided)
- 220 g long-grain white rice (enjuagado)
- 180 g sweet corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
- 120 ml coconut milk
- 16 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 200 g cucumber (en medias lunas finas)
- 60 ml white vinegar
- 60 ml water (for the encurtido)
- 12 g sugar
Nutrition facts
per serving
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. Season the chicken with 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, black pepper, cumin, half of the chopped garlic, and 2 g (1 tsp) annatto. Mix well and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- 2
2. Make the quick pickle: in a bowl, combine the cucumber, white vinegar, water, sugar, and 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt. Stir and let it sit while you continue with the recipe.
- 3
3. In a wide skillet or shallow pot, heat 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until nicely colored. Remove and set aside.
- 4
4. In the same skillet, add the scallions, white onion, and remaining garlic. Cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add the tomato and cook 6 minutes more, lightly mashing it to form a thick hogao.
- 5
5. Add the passion fruit pulp, panela, 120 ml (1/2 cup) chicken broth, and the remaining annatto. Cook for 3 minutes, stir well, and return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and 74°C.
- 6
6. Meanwhile, in a medium pot, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the white rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it. Add the sweet corn and cook for 2 minutes.
- 7
7. Pour in 240 ml (1 cup) chicken broth, the coconut milk, and 2 g (1/2 tsp) salt. Once it boils, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and creamy. Turn off the heat, add half of the cilantro, and let it rest covered for 5 minutes.
- 8
8. Taste the chicken sauce and adjust with the remaining salt if needed. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 more minutes.
- 9
9. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve a base of creamy corn rice, top with the chicken and plenty of passion fruit sauce, and finish with the remaining cilantro.
- 10
10. Lightly drain the pickled cucumber and serve it on the side for freshness and contrast.
- 11
11. If reheating, warm the dish until the chicken reaches 165°F and 74°C again before serving.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, let the seasoned chicken rest in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. If the passion fruit is very tart, add an extra pinch of panela at the end. The rice should be moist rather than dry.
Substitutions
You can use bone-in chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Panela can be replaced with brown sugar. If scallions are unavailable, use extra white onion and a little chives. Sweet corn can be replaced with fresh choclo kernels.
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 imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-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
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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