Chicken Veracruz from Noodles & Company features tender grilled chicken simmered in a zesty tomato sauce with olives, capers, and roasted peppers, served over a bed of flavorful rice and garnished with fresh herbs for a vibrant and hearty Mexican-inspired dish.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grill pan or grill
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Saucepan (for rice)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 lime
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tenderness for Chicken Veracruz. Fresh bell peppers and herbs like cilantro and parsley enhance the dish's vibrant flavors, while canned diced tomatoes and olives contribute to the zesty tomato sauce base. Measuring spices accurately, such as chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, is key to achieving the dish's authentic Mexican-inspired taste. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor without sacrificing richness. This Chicken Veracruz copycat recipe from Noodles & Company delivers the hearty, tangy profile you expect, making it perfect for a satisfying homemade meal.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill pan or grill.
- Trim and cut chicken breasts.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken with the spice mixture.
- Grill chicken until cooked through; set aside.
- Dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Slice red and yellow bell peppers.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add sliced peppers; cook until tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), olives, capers, chicken broth, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While sauce simmers, cook rice in a saucepan (if not pre-cooked).
- Slice grilled chicken and add to skillet.
- Simmer chicken in sauce for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh cilantro and parsley.
- Serve sauce and chicken over cooked rice.
- Garnish with more herbs and lime wedges.
- Plate and serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Veracruz from Noodles & Company copycat menu offers a delicious blend of grilled chicken and a tangy tomato sauce with olives and capers. You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you desire juicier meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking. If you don't have green olives, Kalamata olives or another briny variety work well to maintain the dish's distinctive flavor. Should fresh herbs not be available, dried oregano and parsley can be used, adding them earlier in the cooking process to release their aroma. When grilled chicken or a grill pan is unavailable, a stovetop skillet sear followed by oven finishing can produce tender, flavorful results.
Tips
Make sure to properly trim and evenly slice the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and better absorption of the spice mixture. When grilling, preheat your grill pan to avoid sticking and achieve nice grill marks for added flavor. Simmer the sauce gently to meld the flavors of diced tomatoes, olives, and capers without breaking down the peppers. Your fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime at the end will brighten the dish and enhance its authentic Mexican-inspired taste.
Nutritions
Chicken Veracruz from Noodles & Company provides a balanced meal rich in lean protein from the grilled chicken breasts, essential for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of bell peppers, olives, and tomatoes offers valuable antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, supporting immune health and heart function. Olive oil and capers add healthy monounsaturated fats, which promote cardiovascular health, while the rice serves as a source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. This dish offers a wholesome combination of nutrients, making your meal both nutritious and satisfying.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Veracruz in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking, and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal safety and flavor. You can reheat the dish gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts to add more juiciness and flavor during grilling. Instead of stovetop cooking, finish the chicken and sauce in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 10 minutes to meld the flavors deeply. For a spicier kick, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeno when sauteing the peppers. Using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice provides a nuttier texture and boosts the nutritional value of your meal.
Allergies
Chicken Veracruz contains olives and capers, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to certain fruit or brine preservatives. The dish includes bell peppers and chili powder, common allergens for those with nightshade sensitivities. Your best option is to review ingredient labels carefully and consult with an allergist if you have known food allergies before enjoying this meal.
Why this recipe?
Noodles & Company's Chicken Veracruz menu is beloved for its vibrant blend of shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, olives, and capers that create a rich, tangy flavor profile. The combination of fresh ingredients and expertly balanced spices delivers a satisfying and authentic taste reminiscent of traditional Mexican cuisine. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the dish with your preferred ingredient freshness and spice levels while recreating the restaurant's unique culinary experience at home. Your homemade Chicken Veracruz captures the essence of Noodles & Company's signature menu, offering a delicious and cost-effective alternative.