Are you tired of boring, complicated meals that take forever to prepare? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with our mouthwatering "Pollo Asado con Brócoli y Pasta al Gratin" - a sensational Mexican-inspired dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort! This incredible recipe transforms simple ingredients into a cheesy, crispy, and incredibly satisfying meal that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side to develop a nice color.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brighten in color.
- Cook the pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
- Spread the cooked pasta around the chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the dish to set.
- Serve hot, portioning the chicken, broccoli, pasta, and cheese evenly among four plates. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden skin that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dish washing and create a seamless cooking experience from stovetop to oven.
- Don't overcook the broccoli during initial sautéing - you want it to retain a slight crunch and bright green color.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to your chicken seasoning.
- Let the dish rest for exactly 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is perfectly moist and flavorful.
- If you prefer a more golden cheese topping, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
