Mexican Chicken in Pipián is a traditional dish with deep roots in Mexican cuisine, especially in the Puebla and Veracruz regions. Pipián is one of the oldest sauces in Mexico, derived from pre-Hispanic cuisine, whose base is ground seeds such as sesame, pumpkin seeds, and, in this variant, peanut butter.
This dish is part of the rich Mesoamerican culinary tradition and is characterized by its unique, slightly sweet and spicy flavor, thanks to ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and thyme. In other Latin American countries, although not always with pipián, similar preparations that combine chicken with sauces based on chilies, seeds, and spices go by different names, such as mole in Mexico or aji de gallina in Peru, each with its own variations.
Pipián, in particular, is highly appreciated in Mexico and can also be found in variants within Guatemala, where it is called red pipián or green pipián depending on its ingredients, showing the wide influence and adaptation of this traditional sauce on the continent.
How to Prepare Mexican Chicken in Pipián
To prepare this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients: Chicken, Dried Ancho Chiles, Water, Onions, Green Bell Pepper, Carrots, Whole Dried Coriander Seeds, Chicken Broth, Peanut Butter, Salt, Cinnamon, Whole Dried Thyme, Cloves, Rice, and Tortillas.
Step 1: Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles.
Step 2: Chop the chiles and combine with 1/2 cup of hot water in a small bowl.
Step 3: Cover and let stand for 1 hour.
Step 4: Drain.
Step 5: Combine the chicken and the next 6 ingredients in a large cast-iron pot.
Step 6: Bring to a boil.
Step 7: Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 hour.
Step 8: Remove the chicken and vegetables from the broth.
Step 9: Set aside.
Step 10: Strain the broth.
Step 11: Reserve 1 cup and return 2 cups to the cast-iron pot.
Step 12: Bone and chop the chicken.
Step 13: Return the chicken and vegetables to the cast-iron pot.
Step 14: Combine the chiles and the reserved cup of broth in the container of an electric blender.
Step 15: Process until smooth.
Step 16: Add peanut butter.
Step 17: Process until smooth.
Step 18: Add to the chicken mixture.
Step 19: Stir well.
Step 20: Add salt, cinnamon, thyme, and cloves.
Step 21: Stir well.
Step 22: Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 23: Serve with rice and tortillas.
