Name: Chori Pollo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved or pounded thin); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 lb Mexican chorizo (casings removed); 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese; Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with Chori Pollo, a wildly flavorful Mexican-American classic that brings together juicy chicken, spicy chorizo, and melty cheese in one irresistible skillet dish. This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver — quick to prepare, yet bold enough to make any meal feel like a celebration. Whether you’re craving comfort food or hosting friends for a fun dinner, Chori Pollo is guaranteed to impress with its layers of taste, color, and just the right amount of kick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chori Pollo comes from a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one brings its own flair, from the spice of chorizo to the creamy melt of cheese, creating a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thin or halved pieces cook quickly and soak up all the delicious seasonings.
Mexican chorizo: Spicy, crumbly, and loaded with savory flavor — this is what gives Chori Pollo its signature punch.
Shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey topping.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken for golden, juicy results.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory base note to the chicken seasoning.
Smoked paprika: Infuses the dish with gentle smokiness and a hint of warmth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in every bite.
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Chori Pollo

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning them on both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This quick step infuses every bite of chicken with flavor and gives the final dish that irresistible warmth and depth.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden on both sides and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Don’t rush this part — a nice sear locks in juices and adds so much character to your Chori Pollo.

Step 3: Cook the Chorizo

In the same skillet, add the Mexican chorizo (casings removed). Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, letting its spicy oils mingle with the leftover chicken drippings. This is where the magic really happens!

Step 4: Assemble for Baking

Preheat your broiler or oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish, then generously spoon the sizzling chorizo over each piece. The combination of juicy chicken and spicy sausage is what makes Chori Pollo so special.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Top each chicken breast with a mound of shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese. Slide the dish under the broiler or into the oven for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling. The aroma will have everyone running to the kitchen!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if you like a pop of green. Serve Chori Pollo hot and watch the cheese stretch with every forkful — pure comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Chori Pollo

Garnishes

A handful of chopped cilantro brings freshness and color, but you could also try thinly sliced green onions or a few diced tomatoes for a juicy twist. A little squeeze of lime over the top can brighten everything up, taking Chori Pollo to the next level.

Side Dishes

The classic pairing is Mexican rice and creamy refried beans, which soak up all the saucy goodness. Warm flour or corn tortillas are also perfect for scooping up every last cheesy, chorizo-studded bite. For something lighter, try a crisp salad with avocado and lime.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Chori Pollo into tacos by slicing the chicken and piling it with chorizo and cheese into tortillas, or serve over a bed of rice with a dollop of sour cream. For a party, make mini Chori Pollo sliders on toasted buns or load it into a burrito for the ultimate handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Chori Pollo (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze Chori Pollo for up to 2 months. Cool the chicken completely, wrap it tightly, and store in a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze the cheese-topped chicken and chorizo separately from any garnishes.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese is nicely melted. Or, use the microwave for a speedy lunch — just be sure to cover to prevent splatters.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicier, more flavorful option for Chori Pollo and hold up beautifully to the bold chorizo and cheese topping. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

What kind of chorizo should I use?

Look for fresh Mexican chorizo, which is uncooked and crumbly, rather than the cured Spanish kind. If you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked or microwaveable chorizo works too for a quick shortcut.

Can I make Chori Pollo dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the cheese for your favorite dairy-free melting cheese or simply skip it for a lighter, yet still flavorful, version of Chori Pollo.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Chori Pollo is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free chorizo. Always double-check your sausage and cheese labels to be sure.

How spicy is Chori Pollo?

The heat level depends on your chorizo brand. Most Mexican chorizos are medium spicy, but you can always use a mild version or add extra cheese to mellow things out for sensitive palates.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Chori Pollo is your answer. Take the plunge and make this tonight — your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table) will thank you!

Chori Pollo Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Chori Pollo is a flavorful Mexican-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with savory Mexican chorizo and melted cheese. This quick and easy recipe blends smoky spices with rich, cheesy goodness, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved or pounded thin)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Chorizo and Cheese

1/2 lb Mexican chorizo (casings removed)
1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Evenly coat the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Cook the chorizo: In the same skillet, add the chorizo, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Preheat the oven or broiler: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare to melt the cheese topping.
Assemble and bake: Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon the cooked chorizo evenly over each piece, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Broil or bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top if desired, and serve hot with your choice of sides.