Chicken Bowl with Morita Chile and Cocoa, Green Spinach Rice, Sautéed Squash, and Pepita Cream
A warm, original lunch bowl featuring chicken marinated with morita chile, cocoa, and lime, served over green spinach rice with sautéed squash and a smooth pepita cream. It has a smoky, fresh, and lightly toasted flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken breast, cubed (skinless)
- 2 units Morita chile (without stalk ni semillas)
- 8 g Unsweetened cocoa powder (for the marinado)
- 45 ml Lime juice (divided)
- 3 cloves Garlic (divided)
- 2 g Ground cumin (divided)
- 15 ml Honey (for balancear the picante)
- 45 ml Olive oil (divided)
- 8 g Salt (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g Black pepper (divided)
- 200 g Long-grain rice (enjuagado)
- 480 ml Water (for cocer the arroz)
- 60 g Fresh spinach (lightly compacta)
- 30 g Scallions (chopped, divided)
- 350 g Zucchini squash (en medias lunas)
- 1 g Dried oregano (for the calabaza)
- 70 g Pumpkin seeds (tostadas)
- 120 g Plain Greek yogurt (for the cream)
- 30 ml Warm water (for aligerar the cream)
- 15 g Fresh cilantro (leaves and stalks tiernos)
- 60 g Radishes (sliced finas for servir)
- 1 unit Lime (in wedges for servir)
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
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F / 200 °C. Place the morita chiles in a bowl with hot water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain them.
- 2
2. Blend the softened morita chiles with the cocoa powder, 3 tbsp / 45 ml lime juice, 2 garlic cloves, honey, 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until a thick paste forms.
- 3
3. Toss the cubed chicken with the chile paste and let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining components.
- 4
4. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 2 cups / 480 ml water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
- 5
5. While the rice cooks, blend the spinach with the cilantro, half of the scallions, 1 garlic clove, and 2 tbsp of the cooked rice or 2 tbsp / 30 ml water if you prefer a lighter texture. Set this green mixture aside.
- 6
6. Once the rice is done, let it rest for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and fold in the spinach green sauce until the rice is evenly colored. Keep warm.
- 7
7. For the cream, blend the pepitas, Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp / 30 ml warm water, a pinch of salt, 1 tbsp / 15 ml lime juice, and a pinch of pepper until smooth and creamy. Add a few extra drops of water if needed to adjust the texture.
- 8
8. Heat a large skillet or oven-safe pan with 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil. Add the zucchini, dried oregano, the remaining ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and a little black pepper. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until browned but still firm. Set aside.
- 9
9. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a sheet pan or oven-safe skillet. Roast at 400 °F / 200 °C for 12 to 15 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly caramelized around the edges.
- 10
10. Divide the green rice among 4 bowls. Top with the morita cocoa chicken, the sautéed zucchini, and spoonfuls of pepita cream. Finish with the remaining scallions, sliced radishes, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
- 11
11. Serve immediately while the chicken and rice are warm and the pepita cream is fresh.
Chef tips
For a smokier flavor, lightly toast the morita chiles in a dry skillet for 10 to 15 seconds before soaking them. Do not burn them or they will turn bitter.
Substitutions
You can swap the zucchini for green beans or broccoli. Pepitas can be replaced with toasted sunflower seeds, though the flavor will change. If you do not have Greek yogurt, use thick plain yogurt.
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 imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori 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
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
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