Honduran Chicken in Toasted Sesame and Sour Orange Sauce with Green Banana Rice

Name: Honduran Chicken in Toasted Sesame and Sour Orange Sauce with Green Banana Rice
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Hondureña
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp annatto powder; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/4 cup sesame seeds; 10.5 oz ripe tomatoes; 1 cup red bell pepper; 1 cup white onion; 4 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup sour orange juice; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 1/4 cups uncooked white rice; 1 medium green banana; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro; 1 bay leaf; 2 cups water

An original recipe inspired by Honduran flavors: chicken thighs seared and simmered in a silky sauce of toasted sesame, bell pepper, tomato, and sour orange, served over rice sautéed with green banana and cilantro. It has toasty, citrusy, gently spiced notes and a home-style Honduran character.

25 minPrep

45 minCook

70 minTotal

4Servings

Dairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en pieces large)
8 g salt (divided)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
2 g ground cumin
3 g annatto powder
45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
45 g sesame seeds (preferiblemente blanco)
300 g ripe tomatoes (chopped)
120 g red bell pepper (chopped)
150 g white onion (chopped, divided)
12 g garlic (chopped, divided)
120 ml sour orange juice (si no hay, ver sustituciones)
360 ml chicken broth (low sodium)
240 g uncooked white rice (enjuagado)
180 g green banana (pelado and en cubitos small)
12 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 unit bay leaf
480 ml water (hot for the arroz)

Nutrition facts

per serving

538 kcal

Calories

33 g

Protein

43 g

Carbs

24 g

Fat

3 g

Fiber

40 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

Sesame

Instructions

1
1. Season the chicken with 5 g (1 tsp) salt, black pepper, cumin, and annatto. Mix well and let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2
2. In a wide skillet or large saucepan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately so they do not burn.
3
3. Place the toasted sesame seeds, tomatoes, bell pepper, half of the onion, half of the garlic, sour orange juice, and 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the chicken broth in a blender. Blend until smooth.
4
4. Heat 30 ml (2 tbsp) oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
5
5. In the same skillet, carefully add the blended sauce, the bay leaf, and the remaining chicken broth. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce deepens in color.
6
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat, partially cover, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 74 °C / 165 °F. Adjust with the remaining salt to taste.
7
7. Meanwhile, make the rice. In a medium pot, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil over medium heat. Sauté the remaining onion and remaining garlic for 2 minutes.
8
8. Add the diced green banana and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, so it absorbs the oil and takes on a little color.
9
9. Stir in the rinsed rice and sauté for 1 minute. Add 480 ml (2 cups) hot water and 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
10
10. Turn off the heat, add the chopped cilantro, fluff with a fork, and let it rest covered for 5 minutes.
11
11. Serve a bed of green banana rice, top with the chicken and plenty of the toasted sesame sauce, and spoon the remaining sauce over each portion.

Chef tips

Toast the sesame seeds only until lightly golden; if they get too dark, the sauce can turn bitter. For a more traditional flavor, use a cast-iron pan or griddle to char the vegetables lightly before blending.

Substitutions

If you cannot find sour orange, combine 60 ml (1/4 cup) orange juice with 60 ml (1/4 cup) lime juice. Green banana can be replaced with small diced green plantain, with slightly less cooking time. You may use chicken breast instead of thighs, taking care not to overcook it.

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
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
View on Amazon
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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