Dominican Chicken in Onion, Passion Fruit and Oregano Sauce with Tender Corn Rice

Instructions

1. 1

   1. In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with the sour orange juice, half of the garlic, 1 teaspoon of the dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.

2. 2

   2. Heat a wide pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil. Brown the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 to 6 minutes, then 3 minutes on the other side, until nicely colored. Remove and set aside.

3. 3

   3. In the same pot, reduce to medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Sauté the red onion and sweet pepper for 4 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

4. 4

   4. Stir in the tomato paste, passion fruit pulp, 120 ml (1/2 cup) water, the remaining 1 teaspoon dried oregano, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to form a sauce.

5. 5

   5. Return the chicken to the pot with any juices. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is tender and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and 74°C.

6. 6

   6. While the chicken cooks, make the rice. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the long-grain rice. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, to lightly toast the grains.

7. 7

   7. Add the tender corn, 240 ml (1 cup) water, and half of the fresh cilantro. Bring to a boil, reduce to very low heat, cover, and cook for 16 to 18 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.

8. 8

   8. Turn off the heat under the rice and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and fold in the remaining fresh cilantro.

9. 9

   9. If you want a thicker chicken sauce, uncover the pot for the last 3 to 5 minutes and let it reduce gently. Adjust salt if needed.

10. 10

    10. Serve the tender corn rice as the base and place the chicken on top or alongside, spooning over plenty of the onion, passion fruit, and oregano sauce.