Best 13 Chicken Veracruzano Recipes

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Chicken Veracruzano is a classic Mexican dish that combines the flavors of succulent chicken, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Originating from the state of Veracruz, this dish is known for its vibrant colors, tantalizing aroma, and a burst of flavors that dance on your palate. The combination of fresh ingredients, including juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, flavorful garlic, and a medley of spices, creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer your chicken grilled, pan-fried, or slow-cooked, there's a recipe out there to suit your culinary preferences. So, embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Veracruz and discover the best recipe to cook Chicken Veracruzano, a dish that will transport you to the heart of Mexican cuisine.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN VERACRUZ STYLE



Chicken Veracruz Style image

This chicken stew is a dish that I've been making for years without following a recipe, just the way I grew up cooking it. Just add a little bit of this, a pinch of that, and taste to check if it needs something else. Chicken Veracruz Style a delicious and elegant dish that's perfect for a nice dinner.

Provided by Mely Martínez

Categories     Chicken

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 bone-in (skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (about 2 pounds))
1/2 medium white onion (finely chopped)
4 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
2 carrots (diced (about 1 1/4 cup when diced))
1 large potato (diced (about 1 1/4 cup when diced))
1 lb. tomato (chopped (about 3 cups when chopped)*)
1 cup water
1 bay leave
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or small branch if fresh
1/2 teaspoon marjoram (optional)
1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives (sliced)
1/4 cup raisins
2 teaspoons capers

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken to frying pan to sear for about 7-8 minutes per side. Once the chicken is browned remove from pan and keep warm.
  • Add onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and carrots and cook for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes.
  • Chicken Stew Veracruz Style 4. Cook the vegetables 2 more minutes after adding the potatoes.
  • Place chopped tomatoes and cup of water into a blender and process until smooth. Pour tomato mixture into the frying pan using a colander or sieve.
  • Add the chicken; bring to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer. Add bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, olives, raisins, and capers. Season with salt and pepper and cover. Simmer until chicken and vegetables are cooked (about 10-12 minutes). The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 78 mg, Sodium 223 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHICKEN VERONIQUE



Chicken Veronique image

"I found this recipe in a gardening book. My family just loves it, and it's super easy! We think it's excellent served with rice pilaf on the side." -Anita Dudiwka of Akron, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 teaspoons butter
2/3 cup white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons orange marmalade spreadable fruit
3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1-1/2 cups green grapes, halved

Steps:

  • Sprinkle chicken with salt and nutmeg. In a large non-stick skillet, cook chicken in butter over medium heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned., In a small bowl, combine the wine, marmalade and tarragon. Add to skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 4-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°. Remove chicken and keep warm., Combine flour and cream until smooth. Gradually stir into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes longer or until thickened. Stir in grapes; heat through. Serve with chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 226 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 79mg cholesterol, Sodium 191mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHICKEN VALDOSTANO



Chicken Valdostano image

Delicious Italian skillet dish with prosciutto ham, fontina cheese (one of Italy's best cheeses) AND a white wine/mushroom sauce. Who could ask for more? Here's the recipe YOU asked for!

Provided by Jen

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded thin
¼ cup unsalted butter
10 fresh mushrooms, sliced
¾ cup dry white wine
¾ cup chicken stock
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
6 slices thinly sliced prosciutto
6 slices fontina cheese

Steps:

  • Lightly flour chicken breasts, shaking off excess flour. In a large skillet over low heat, melt butter/margarine. Add chicken and saute until lightly browned, about 2 minutes each side. Remove with slotted spatula and set aside.
  • Increase heat to medium low. Add mushrooms and saute until juices are rendered, about 4 minutes. Add wine and simmer until reduced by 1/4, about 3 to 4 minutes. Increase heat to medium high. Add stock, parsley and pepper and simmer until sauce reduced to 1 cup, about 10 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low. Top each chicken breast with a slice of prosciutto and a slice of fontina cheese. Return chicken to skillet and cook just until cheese melts. Transfer chicken to individual plates and top each with some of the mushroom sauce before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.8 g, Cholesterol 127.5 mg, Fat 23.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 34.5 g, SaturatedFat 12.8 g, Sodium 705.5 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

VERACRUZANA CHICKEN STEW WITH WINTER SQUASH



Veracruzana Chicken Stew with Winter Squash image

This is loosely based on a chicken stew from the Mexican state of Veracruz. The cuisine of Veracruz, more than any of the other cuisines of Mexico, retains much Spanish influence, and this is a perfect example. There are not even any chilies in this stew, though I've added some cayenne for a little punch.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 28-ounce can tomatoes in juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 to 8 skinned chicken legs and/or thighs (can use boneless thighs)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
10 medium green olives, pitted and finely chopped
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and finely chopped
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
1 2-inch cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut in small dice
2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the broiler. Line a small baking sheet or a pie tin with foil and place the onion and garlic on it. Place under the broiler, close to the heat. Broil for 2 minutes and check. As soon as the garlic skin is charred, remove the cloves and set aside. Turn the onion, using tongs, and continue to broil, turning often, until it is charred and softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Peel the garlic and transfer to a blender with the onion and tomatoes (do this in 2 batches if your blender is small). Blend until smooth.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat in a deep lidded frying pan or a heavy casserole. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown for 5 minutes on each side, in batches if necessary. Transfer to a bowl. Pour off the fat from the pan.
  • Keep the heat high and add the remaining olive oil. Add the blended tomato mixture to the pan all at once. It should sear and splutter. Cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes, until the mixture thickens noticeably, then add 1/2 cup of the stock and salt to taste. Turn the heat down to low and simmer, stirring from time to time, for 15 minutes. Stir in the remaining chicken broth.
  • Return the chicken pieces to the sauce, along with any liquid that has accumulated in the bowl. Add the olives, capers, raisins, rosemary, oregano, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cayenne and squash and bring back to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper, cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, or until the chicken and squash are tender. Stir in the sherry, if desired, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with rice or other grains.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 140, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 20 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 702 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

VERACRUZ-STYLE RED SNAPPER



Veracruz-Style Red Snapper image

I like red snapper for this, but any white, flaky fish will work. By the way, many Veracruz-style fish recipes call for pickled jalapenos, but I think there's plenty of acidity in this from the lime and tomatoes, so I like the fresh pepper a little more.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 40m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon capers
1 tablespoon caper juice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup pitted, sliced green olives (such as Castelvetrano)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 (7 ounce) red snapper fillets, cut in half
salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
2 limes, juiced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook and stir until onions begin to turn translucent, 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Cook and stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add capers and caper juice; stir to combine.
  • Stir in tomatoes, olives, jalapeno pepper, . Cook and stir until jalapeno pepper softens and tomatoes begin to collapse, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in oregano.
  • Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil into a small baking dish. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of the tomato-olive mixture. Top with 1 snapper fillet, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Top with more filling and juice from 1 lime. Repeat with remaining snapper fillet, seasoning, and lime juice in a second baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until fish is flaky and no longer translucent, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 452.3 calories, Carbohydrate 16.2 g, Cholesterol 72.6 mg, Fat 25.2 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 43.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 1033.5 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

ROAST CHICKEN VERMENTINO



Roast Chicken Vermentino image

This rich, delicious roast uses the broth from rehydrated mushrooms for extra flavor. Porcinis aren't a necessity, but pick some up if you can. You'll be glad you did. Pair this with a nice salad and the leftover wine for an excellent evening.

Provided by Malcolm Mclaren

Categories     dinner, project, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/2 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) dried porcini mushrooms, or mixed dried mushrooms
1/4 up extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 4 1/2 -pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 pounds waxy boiling potatoes, like Yukon gold or red-skinned potatoes, quartered
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1 cup Vermentino, or other crisp, citrusy white wine, like Pinot Grigio

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring 1 2/3 cups water to a simmer, and stir in the porcini; soak for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving both mushrooms and broth. Roughly chop the mushrooms.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the garlic and cook until lightly browned. Add the mushrooms and saute for 2 minutes. Stir in the mushroom broth, bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes, so that it reduces by 1/3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Trim off excess fat from the chicken pieces. Rinse and pat dry. Place the chicken, skin-side down, in one layer, in a large roasting pan. Tuck the potatoes and mushrooms around the chicken. Pour reduced mushroom broth over the chicken. Sprinkle with the rosemary, wine and remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes. Turn the chicken over, season with more salt and pepper and continue cooking until the chicken and potatoes are lightly browned, 30 to 35 minutes more. Serve with the vegetables and the juices from the pan.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1031, UnsaturatedFat 33 grams, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fat 53 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 71 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 1902 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CHICKEN VERACRUZANO



Chicken Veracruzano image

A bright, zesty topping of tomatoes, lime, cilantro, (surprise!) olives enlivens chicken breasts with a dash of Cinco de Mayo festivity.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup pitted green olives, halved
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil (reserve skillet). Set aside.
  • Raise heat to medium; place onion in skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes and olives; cook until tomatoes release their juice, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in lime juice and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on top of chicken.

VERACRUZ RED SNAPPER: HUACHINANGO A LA VERACRUZANA



Veracruz Red Snapper: Huachinango a la Veracruzana image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

One 3.3-pound/1 1/2-kilogram whole red snapper, cleaned and scaled
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 limes, juiced
2 tablespoons water
Pinch clove
Pinch pepper
Vegetable oil, for sauteing
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 onion, sliced
2 bay leaves
2 pinches dried oregano
1/2 cup freshly made tomato puree (water, tomatoes, and a dash of olive oil)
4 plum tomatoes
6 pickled chiles
8 green olives pitted and crushed, plus 12 green olives, whole
1 tablespoon capers
Salt
3 tablespoons chopped parsley

Steps:

  • Clean the fish without cutting off either the head or the tail. With a sharp knife, score the fleshy part of the snapper. In a bowl, combine the garlic, lime juice, water, clove, and pepper to make the marinade. Pour the marinade over the fish and allow the marinade to penetrate the snapper for 30 minutes.
  • Pour a tablespoon of oil into a hot pan and sear the fish for a few minutes on each side. Add the chicken broth and begin to add the remaining ingredients.
  • First, add the sliced onion, bay leaves, and oregano. Next, pour in the fresh tomato puree, followed by the whole plum tomatoes. Add the pickled chiles, crushed olives, and capers. Season with salt and continue simmering for 15 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the whole olives and chopped parsley over the snapper and serve on a large dish.

CHICKEN VALENTINO



Chicken Valentino image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 37m

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 cups vegetable oil
1 chicken breast, boneless and skinless
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Flour, for dredging
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup bread crumbs
1 (2-ounce) jar roasted red peppers
2 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
1 small package fresh three-cheese tortellini
1 large basil leaf
Pink Sauce, recipe follows
1 cup bottled marinara sauce
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a 3-inch sided saute pan, heat the vegetable oil to 350 degrees F.
  • Place the chicken breast between 2 pieces of plastic wrap, and pound the chicken until it is 1/4-inch thick. Remove the chicken and lightly season the breast with salt and pepper. Dredge the breast in the flour, then in the egg, and coat with bread crumbs. Put the chicken on a flat, workable surface, and place the red pepper and mozzarella down the center of the breast. Leave a 2-inch space at one end for closure, and starting at the other end of the breast, begin rolling the chicken, being careful not to lose the stuffing. Give the breast an even squeeze to secure the closure.
  • Slowly place the breast, seam side down, in the oil. Allow the breast to fry until it is a golden brown color, about 5 minutes, before turning. Cook the other side until golden brown, and remove the breast to a baking sheet. Put it in the oven and allow it to finish cooking, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook as much pasta as desired in a medium pot of boiling, salted water. Drain and reserve.
  • Very carefully fry the basil leaf in the same oil until translucent.
  • To serve the chicken, trim the outside edges of the breast, and then cut it on the bias. Coat a dinner plate with George's Pink Sauce and place some warm three-cheese tortellini in the center. Stand the Chicken Valentino in the front of the plate, exposing the stuffing. Garnish the plate with the fried basil leaf.
  • Heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan. Stir in the cream and fresh basil. Serve underneath Chicken Valentino.

AUTHENTIC MOLE FROM VERACRUZ MEXICO



Authentic Mole from Veracruz Mexico image

My MIL gave me this recipe. She makes this for any special occasion. Its delicious and beats the base you buy in a jar here in the US.

Provided by cervantesbrandi

Categories     Poultry

Time 6h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 whole chicken (cut in pieces)
3 tablespoons chicken base (or 3 chicken bouillon cubes)
6 cups water
1/2 cup oil
4 ancho chilies
4 pasilla chiles
4 mulato chilies
3 prunes (seedless)
1 tablespoon raisins
1/4 teaspoon anise
1 banana (actually you will need a platano but an unripened banana can work too, peeled and mashed)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon unsalted peanuts
1/4 cinnamon stick
6 shortbread cookies (prefferably Maria's brand galletas)
2 whole cloves
2 black peppercorns
1/4 small white onion
1 garlic clove
1 corn tortilla (fried)
1 tablespoon piloncillo (can use brown sugar if you cannot find piloncillo)
1 tablespoon mexican chocolate (I use abuela brand)

Steps:

  • Place the water, chicken base or cubes and chicken in a stock pot. Bring the water to a boil, turn the heat down to a medium simmer, cover and cook the chicken for 1 hour or until fork tender and the meat shreds easily.
  • While the chicken is cooking pour the oil into a large saute pan. Heat the oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough add in all ingredients from the dried chiles to the garlic clove. Fry the ingredients for 1 minute or until fragrant making sure not to burn the chiles.
  • Strain the ingredients and discard all of the oil except for 2 tablespoons Place the strained ingredients possibly working in two batches in the blender.
  • When the chicken is done, remove the meat from the broth and add in 2 cups of broth into the blender and half of the fried tortilla. Blend on high for 5 minutes.
  • Heat the 2 tbsp of reserved oil on medium heat in the large skillet you were using before and pour in the blended mole.
  • Then pour the other batch of chile and spices into the blender with the other half of the tortilla and 2 cups of broth and blend on high for 5 minutes.
  • Pour the other batch of mole in the saute pan and stir to combine. Place the piloncillo and chocolate in the mole and stir until melted. Taste to adjust for salt.
  • Add in the chicken pieces spooning the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes to marry the flavors. Serve with fresh warm corn tortillas and white rice.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1210.1, Fat 88.6, SaturatedFat 20, Cholesterol 246.2, Sodium 361.1, Carbohydrate 42.7, Fiber 9.1, Sugar 12.2, Protein 63.6

CHICKEN VERACRUZANO RECIPE - (4.7/5)



Chicken Veracruzano Recipe - (4.7/5) image

Provided by mirelsonp

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 Tbsp olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each)
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup pitted green olives, halved
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • 1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil (reserve skillet). Set aside. 2. Raise heat to medium; place onion in skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes and olives; cook until tomatoes release their juice, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in lime juice and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on top of chicken.

RED SNAPPER VERACRUZANO



Red Snapper Veracruzano image

Make and share this Red Snapper Veracruzano recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Samantha in Ut

Categories     Mexican

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 minced garlic cloves
1 -2 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapeno pepper
3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup chopped green olives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
4 (6 ounce) skinless red snapper fillets
coarse salt and pepper
lime wedge, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and jalapenos; cook 1 minute.
  • Add tomatoes and 3/4 cup water; cook until almost evaporated, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in olives and oregano.
  • Season snapper fillets with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium; nestle fish in sauce. Cover, and cook until fish is opaque, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.2, Fat 10.1, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 79.8, Sodium 134.9, Carbohydrate 6.9, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 2.9, Protein 45.7

VERACRUZANO "PUDDING" TAMALES WITH CHICKEN, CHIPOTLE, AND HERBS



Veracruzano

These silky textured Veracruzano "pudding" tamales are made with a precooked batter that helps cut down the cooking time.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Yield Makes 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
Salt
1 package fresh or frozen banana leaves
20 dried chipotle or morita chiles, stems removed
4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 cups (1 pound) coarsely ground fresh masa for tamales
5 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
1/2 cup (4 ounces) fresh pork lard or solid vegetable shortening
3 large leaves fresh hoja santa or 30 sprigs fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Place the chicken breast in a medium saucepan; cover with salted water. Bring liquid to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the chicken becomes opaque throughout, about 20 minutes. Remove pan from heat. When chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the chicken.
  • Using kitchen scissors, cut off the brown, hard edges from the banana leaves. Cut each leaf into eight 10-inch squares. From the trimmings, make 16 1/4-inch-wide strips cut along the grain. Tie 2 strips together, forming 8 long strips; set aside.
  • Set a small, heavy skillet over medium heat. When skillet is hot, add the dried chiles. Cook, stirring, until chiles are very fragrant and toasted in spots, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer chiles to a bowl, and cover with 1 1/2 cups hot water. Set a small plate on top of the chiles, keeping them submerged.
  • Add the garlic cloves to the hot skillet, and cook, turning, until soft and darkened in spots, about 20 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. When the garlic becomes cool enough to handle, peel; set aside.
  • Drain the chiles, reserving 1 1/4 cup soaking liquid. In the jar of a blender or the bowl of a food processor, combine the chiles, liquid, and the garlic. Process until a puree forms. Transfer puree to a small saucepan, and simmer over medium heat until the mixture reaches the consistency of canned tomato sauce, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and the sugar; set the chipotle salsa aside.
  • Working in two batches, blend the masa with the stock, and strain the mixture through a medium sieve into a large saucepan. Set over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil, about 20 minutes.
  • Whisk in lard until combined and thick enough to hold its shape when placed in a spoon, about 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon salt; transfer to a bowl. Let cool completely.
  • Lay 1 banana leaf, shiny-side down, on a clean work surface, and lightly pat dry. Place 2/3 cup batter into the center. Spread the batter toward the right side, forming a rough 3-by-6-inch rectangle. Place 1 tablespoon chipotle salsa, 2 tablespoons shredded chicken, and one-fourth of a hoja santa leaf or 3 sprigs cilantro onto the left side of the batter. Fold the right third of the leaf over, covering the middle third and encasing the filling between the batter. Fold the uncovered section of the leaf over the top, then fold both of the open ends under. Tie loosely with a strip around the middle. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  • Line the steamer basket with small pieces of banana leaves. Transfer prepared tamales to steamer, no more than 2 deep. Cover the tamales with remaining banana leaves.
  • Steam the tamales 1 1/2 hours. Serve the tamales with the remaining chipotle salsa.

Tips:

  • Choose ripe and firm tomatoes: This ensures a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro and oregano add a vibrant and authentic flavor to the dish.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing the chicken, make sure to give each piece enough space so that it browns evenly.
  • Simmer the sauce: Simmering the sauce for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more jalapeño peppers or cayenne pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro: Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion:

Chicken Veracruzano is a colorful and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its combination of tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this dish is a true celebration of Mexican cuisine. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy chicken recipe, give Chicken Veracruzano a try - you won't be disappointed!

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