Chicken Chilindrón: A Simple Twist On The Classic Dish

Chicken Chilindrón is a cherished recipe across Spain. This stew features chicken cooked with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Its distinctive ingredient is serrano ham, which infuses the dish with an exquisite flavor. 

I will follow the traditional Spanish recipe almost to the letter, except I’ll use chicken breasts instead of thighs. This adjustment ensures the recipe fits into a Weight Watchers plan, with only 2 points, making it easy to include in your meal repertoire.

Why you should try Chicken Chilindrón

Chicken Chilindrón, besides being a beloved dish in Spain, is also Weight Watchers-friendly with only 2 points. Why is it so popular? It’s simple to prepare, taking no more than 30 minutes. If you have the time and prefer slow cooking, it tastes even better. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also budget-friendly and healthy, making it kind to both your stomach and your wallet.

I’m always on the lookout for 0-point chicken recipes. I love them, and I know you do too. Whenever I find one that tastes genuinely different, I’m thrilled because it means we can continue to maintain our healthy eating habits without getting bored.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 5 portions

Portion Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables and sauce (370 g.)

2 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW App here. (WW login required.)

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts, 4 (about 680 g)
• Salt, 1 teaspoon (6 g)
• Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g)
• Garlic, 4 cloves, minced (12 g)
• Olive oil, 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Onions, 2 large, julienned (300 g)
• Green bell pepper, 1 large, julienned (150 g)
• Red bell pepper, 1 large, julienned (150 g)
• Fresh tomatoes, 2 large, diced (300 g)
• Canned tomatoes, 1 cup (240 g)
• Chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml)
• Bay leaves, 2
• Prosciutto ham, 50 g, sliced into thin strips

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the julienned onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced fresh tomatoes and canned tomatoes, mixing well with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Combine Chicken and Serrano Ham: Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, nestling them into the vegetable mixture. Add the sliced serrano ham, distributing it evenly throughout the pot.
5. Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chicken and vegetables simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the flavors are well combined. If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid during the last 10 minutes to let it thicken slightly.
6. Serve: Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Serve the Chicken Chilindrón hot, with the sauce and vegetables generously spooned over each chicken breast. This dish pairs well with rice, crusty bread, or boiled potatoes.

Variations and Substitutions

1. White Wine: Many versions of this recipe use white wine. I opted for chicken broth, but wine adds a fantastic flavor.
2. Chicken Thighs: If you prefer, chicken thighs make an even better version of this dish.
3. Serrano Ham: Never skip the serrano ham. I used a very lean version with minimal fat.
4. Bell Peppers: If you only have one color of bell pepper, that’s fine. The dish will still turn out well.
5. Additional Ingredients: If you want to experiment, adding ingredients like olives or capers can enhance the dish.

Tips and Tricks for Making Chicken Chilindrón

1. Sautéing the Chicken: Make sure to sauté the chicken thoroughly with the pot as hot as possible. Pale chicken, even in a flavorful sauce, is unappetizing.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Slice the vegetables into similarly sized julienne strips. This ensures a more uniform dish.
3. Tomato Combination: Combine fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes. This adds vibrant color and a delicious blend of flavors.
4. Thickening the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon of cornstarch.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious Chicken Chilindrón that not only fits your dietary goals but also brings the flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine to your table. Enjoy this dish, perfect for both a quick weekday meal and a slow-cooked weekend delight.