Fiery Red Recado Chicken

Background and History

The Fiery Red Recado Chicken is a traditional dish from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, famed for its rich, vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. "Recado" refers to the paste made from ground spices and often contains a variety of peppers, which gives the dish a distinctive red hue. This dish has roots in Mayan cuisine and has been adapted over the centuries, incorporating flavors introduced through colonial influences. It is typically served on festive occasions and is often accompanied by pickled red onions and soft, warm tortillas.

Ingredients

• Chicken (whole or cut into 8 pieces)
• Achiote paste
• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Ground black pepper
• Cloves
• Salt
• Annatto seeds
• Cinnamon stick
• Sweet chili pepper
• Banana leaves (optional for wrapping)

Preparation

Begin by preparing your chicken. If using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces for even marination and cooking. Rinse the pieces under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Making the Recado Paste

The next step requires making the Recado paste, essential for the signature flavor of this dish. In a blender, combine the following ingredients: achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic cloves, oregano, cumin, black pepper, cloves, and salt.

• If you prefer a more intense flavor, toast annatto seeds and cinnamon stick in a dry skillet until fragrant before adding to the blender.
• For a bit of heat, consider adding a deseeded sweet chili pepper.

Marinating the Chicken

Once the Recado paste achieves a smooth, thick consistency, pour it over the chicken pieces in a large, non-reactive dish. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the paste. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking the Chicken

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have banana leaves available, lay them out in a baking dish and place the marinated chicken on top. The leaves will impart additional earthy notes to the dish. Cover either with the banana leaves or with foil tightly and bake.

Cooking Time

Cooking should take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender with a slightly caramelized exterior.

Serving Suggestions

To serve your Fiery Red Recado Chicken, pair with traditional accompaniments like pickled red onions or Mexican-style rice. Warm corn tortillas also complement the dish nicely, allowing you to enjoy it as a hearty meal or as tacos with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!

Once your meal is prepared, savor the flavors of a tradition that beautifully intertwines the past and present culinary excellence from the heart of Mexico. Gather your loved ones around, share the rich history behind the dish, and delight in the fiery zest of Fiery Red Recado Chicken.