cha cha chicken

 Cha Cha Chicken is a delicious dish that is popular in Caribbean cuisine. Here is a recipe to make Cha Cha Chicken:

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cha Cha sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground allspice

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the chicken marinade.

2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.

5. Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned.

7. While the chicken is baking, prepare the Cha Cha sauce. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

8. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.

9. Add the chopped red and green bell peppers, minced jalapeno pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.

10. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the peppers are softened.

11. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), brown sugar, and fresh lime juice to the saucepan.

12. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

13. Serve the baked chicken with the Cha Cha sauce spooned over the top.

14. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Cha Cha Chicken!