Chicken is a versatile and affordable protein, making it a family favorite in much of the world. But OMG, chicken can get boring sometimes. It's bland and that's what makes it so easy to use and well-suited for varying palates, but coming up with fresh ideas for how to use it can be challenging. Every mom should be armed with an arsenal of tasty, flavorful, and inspired chicken recipes to keep everyone happy and avoid poultry burnout. Thankfully, our Latin heritage provides tons of flavor inspiration to help us jazz up even the most flavorless boneless, skinless chicken breast. Whether grilled, stewed, roasted or slow-cooked, there's no method that isn't improved with a bit of garlic, cumin, and cilantro.
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One of the reasons chicken is so popular, even though it's definitely not the most flavorful meat on its own, is that it's so easy to infuse it with whatever flavors you prefer. It's also versatile in that you can use it as a stand-alone protein served up with healthy sides or you can easily incorporate it into other dishes, like casseroles, soups, burritos, and pasta and rice dishes.
Plus, most kids don't find chicken hugely offensive, so you can typically serve it up to even the pickiest eaters without too many complaints. Anything that can minimize stress at dinner is a winner, right? That said, plain old roast chicken can get pretty humdrum night after night, even for little ones. Click through our gallery of Latin-inspired chicken recipes to get some ideas on how to amp up your next dinner.
These skillet chicken enchiladas are full of flavor.
Rolling a bunch of enchiladas is undoubtedly time-consuming, but it's actually really easy to replicate the flavors without all the fuss. These skillet chicken enchiladas are loaded with salsa verde and cheese, and feel indulgent, but can whipped up at a moment's notice.
Get the full recipe from JZ Eats.
Puerto Rican baked chicken is simple and satisfying.
Oh, the memories! For many Puerto Ricans, baked chicken is in the regular rotation because it's quick, easy, and full of savory flavors. No plain salt and peppered chicken here. Instead the chicken is marinated in sofrito and spices and cooked until crispy.
Get the full recipe from krystle_and_karis_kitchen on Instagram.
Chicken empanadas are sure to please even picky eaters.
These crispy chicken empanadas have a secret ingredient that is sure to have your kids hooked on them: ranch dressing! Sure classic empanadas from any Latin American country are delicious, but adding the ranch is a nice way to switch it up for picky kids.
Get the full recipe from Easy Chicken Recipes.
Dominican stewed chicken is a comforting classic.
Dominican-style braised chicken of pollo guisado is simple, but full of flavor. It's a Caribbean classic and makes for a great dinner any night of the week.
Get the full recipe from Smart Little Cookie.
This Cuban marinated chicken is a little different from the typical.
Instead of the more classic cilantro-lime chicken, shake things up with a bit of Cuban inspiration. Use some fresh-squeezed orange juice instead of the lime and add plenty of garlic and oregano to the mix.
Get the full recipe from Frugal Nutrition.
This simplified Peruvian chicken is great any night of the week.
Peruvian roasted chicken with green sauce is a true thing of beauty. Unfortunately it's not so practical for a midweek meal after work. But if you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken, you can cut the cook time down to a fraction.
Get the full recipe from The Cookie Rookie.
This chile-lime grilled chicken is so simple to prepare.
This super simple chile lime chicken can be paired with nearly any sides. And whether you marinate for just half an hour or overnight, it's packed with tangy, delicious flavor.
Get the full recipe from Recipes Made Easy.
Shredded Mexican chicken can be used in so many dishes.
Whether you're making sandwiches, tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads, shredded chicken is quick and easy to prepare and flavorful. It's also freezes really well, so you might want to make a double batch and save it for another meal.
Get the full recipe from Countryside Cravings.
These Cuban chicken legs blow regular baked chicken out of the water.
If you prefer dark meat, this version of Cuban mojo chicken is for you. The chicken pieces are marinated in orange and lime juices, garlic, and mint, making for an ultra-flavorful dish.
Get the full recipe from Spend With Pennies.
Chile lime chicken skewers are perfect for warm nights.
Spicy marinated chicken chunks are skewered and grilled for a delicious and easy dinner served alongside fruit salsa. The chile lime combination is always a winner.
Find the full recipe on MamásLatinas.
Chicken in mango verde sauce is warm and comforting.
The creamy, sweet and savory coconut mango verde sauce this chicken cooks in is irresistible. It can be served with pretty much anything including a warm bowl of arroz blanco.
Find the full recipe on MamásLatinas.
One Latin ingredient makes these chicken wings stand out.
Honey barbecue chicken wings are pretty typical American fare, but switching things up by adding smoky, savory chipotle peppers will make your wings better than all the rest.
Find the full recipe on MamásLatinas.
You can use the leftovers to make chicken nachos.
You can shred leftover barbecue chicken or stir jarred barbecue sauce into some shredded chicken to make a batch of crowd-pleasing cheesy barbecue chicken nachos.
Find the full recipe on MamásLatinas.
Mexican deviled chicken is spicy and succulent.
Mexican deviled chicken takes baked chicken to another level by dousing it in a rich, tomato-based chile pepper sauce that will have everyone coming back for more of that addictive heat.
Get the full recipe from Mama Maggie's Kitchen.
Puerto Rican flavors jazz up basic roasted chicken.
Roast chicken is an incredibly easy dish to prepare, despite how impressive it looks. You can season it with pretty much anything, including traditional Puerto Rican flavors like citrus, garlic, cumin, and cilantro, which are sure to leave your dinner guests pleasantly surprised.
Get the full recipe from Always Order Dessert.
Bolivian picante de pollo is a classic dish that anyone can make.
Picante de pollo is one of the most traditional Bolivian dishes. It's very similar to Mexican deviled chicken but uses different chile varieties and incorporates more veggies. This intensely spicy chicken stew is best served with rice and potatoes.
Get the full recipe from 196 Flavors.
You can enjoy fajita flavors even if you're on a diet.
If you're on a low-carb diet, this creamy chicken fajita soup will be the answer to your taco night prayers. This soup is a tasty combination of shredded chicken (you can use that leftover Mexican shredded chicken), cream, cheese, broth, and spices. Loaded up with toppings, it's a perfect fall or winter dinner.
Get the full recipe from Kasey Trenum.
A quick fajita casserole is also a great weeknight dinner idea.
This cheesy, chicken fajita-inspired casserole is sure to please the whole family. It's full of classic Mexican flavors, but is so simple to make — you just layer seasoned chicken breasts, sliced peppers, and tons of cheese. Yum!
Get the full recipe from Eatwell 101.
Chicken asado is so savory!
This simple pan-seared chicken asado is intensely flavorful thanks to a marinade of chile flakes, cumin, garlic, and other spices and is wonderful served with any number of sides, including simple sauteed zucchini.
Get the full recipe from Eatwell 101.
This Tex-Mex baked chicken is easy and flavorful.
This super-simple baked chicken dish involves fortifying jarred salsa with black beans and corn and topping the chicken with plenty of cheese. It's just a tiny bit spicy, zesty and perfect with a side of rice.
Get the full recipe from Everyday Dishes.
These broccoli and chicken croquettes are great for a light dinner.
These simple broccoli and chicken croquettes are made extra special when you top them with a yummy tomatillo sauce that is flavored with garlic, cilantro, and chiles.
Get the full recipe from Tastemade.
Chicken- and cheese-stuffed jalapenos are great for game night.
It's shockingly easy to make these chicken- and cheese-stuffed jalapeno peppers. Just mix together finely shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Latin spices like cumin and chili powder.
Get the full recipe from Karen Food.
Chicken-stuffed poblanos are a little less spicy.
Poblano peppers are a bit less spicy than jalapenos, and larger too, so they actually make for a great entree. Combine chicken with tomatoes, herbs, spices, and cheese for a satisfying Latin-inspired dinner.
Get the full recipe from Healthy Recipes Blogs.
