Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Pulled Chipotle Chicken with Corn and Chickpeas! Imagine tender, smoky chicken infused with bold chipotle flavors, perfectly complemented by sweet corn and hearty chickpeas - this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're craving a quick weeknight meal or looking to impress dinner guests, this Mexican-inspired dish promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mince chipotle peppers finely and add to the pot, stirring to combine with onions and garlic. Cook for 1 minute to release their smoky flavor.
- Return chicken breasts to the pot, add 1/2 cup water, and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken and use two forks to shred the meat, returning it to the pot.
- Add drained chickpeas and corn to the pot, stirring to combine and heat through for 3-4 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chipotle peppers as desired.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or served over rice or in tortillas.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear and lock in maximum flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, juicy results.
- For an extra smoky depth, consider using smoked paprika alongside cumin in your seasoning blend.
- If you prefer less heat, start with just one chipotle pepper and add more gradually to suit your spice tolerance.
- This dish freezes beautifully - make a double batch and store portions for quick future meals.
- For added richness, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving to create a more creamy texture.
- Leftover pulled chicken is perfect for tacos, salads, or stuffed into quesadillas the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
