Pollo Pibil (Yucatan-Style Chicken)

Pollo Pibil is a flavorful Mexican dish that transforms a simple chicken into a vibrant culinary masterpiece by marinating it in achiote paste, citrus juices, and aromatic spices. Traditionally cooked underground, this modern version brings the taste of Yucatan to your kitchen using easily accessible kitchen equipment.

Ingredients:

• 🍗 1 whole chicken
• 🍃 Banana leaves
• 🌶️ 8 oz achiote paste (annatto seeds paste)
• 🍊 2 large oranges
• 🍋 1 large lime
• 🧄 3 garlic cloves
• 🌿 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 🌿 1 tsp Mexican oregano
• 🌰 1/2 tsp whole allspice
• 🌿 1 bay leaf
• 🧂 2 tsp salt
• 🌿 1 tsp black pepper
• 🧅 1 onion (reserve 1/2 to put inside the chicken)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • Juice the oranges and lime. Combine their juice with the achiote paste, garlic cloves, cumin seeds, Mexican oregano, allspice, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper in a blender.
   • Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Ensure the marinade is not too thick; add a little water if necessary.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Clean and pat dry the whole chicken. Stuff the cavity with half of the onion and the peel from one of the squeezed oranges.
   • Clean the banana leaves with a damp paper towel to remove any residue and then cut them into pieces large enough to wrap around the chicken.
3. Wrap and Marinate:
   • Set the chicken on the cleaned banana leaves. Pour the blended marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
   • Carefully wrap the chicken with the banana leaves, securing any loose ends.
4. Cooking:
   • Place the wrapped chicken into a clay pot, cast iron, or ceramic Dutch oven. Cover with a lid.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches over 170°F (77°C).
5. Serve:
   • Once cooked, unwrap the chicken from the banana leaves and discard the leaves, orange peel, and onion.
   • Shred the chicken meat and serve with Yucatan-style pickled red onions and warm tortillas for an authentic experience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Equipment: Blender, clay pot or Dutch oven, oven
Servings: 4-6

Cooking Tips:

• If you cannot find banana leaves, aluminum foil can be used as a substitute, but the flavor won't be as traditional.
• For an extra kick, serve with a spicy salsa of your choice.

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Pollo Pibil (Yucatan-Style Chicken)