How to make POLLO A LA MEXICAN, a quick and easy One Pan Meal and under $15!!!

How to make POLLO A LA MEXICAN, a quick and easy One Pan Meal and under $15!!! is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 6. 880 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $13.07 total, $2.18 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 lb Chicken Drumsticks (skin on, bone in; can remove skin if preferred)
  • 1 can Hot Tomato Sauce (about 15 oz; any brand of canned hot tomato sauce)
  • 4 Roma Tomatoes (ripe, medium size; ends trimmed, seeded, cut into strips)
  • 1 Onion (use half, sliced into strips; save the other half for another recipe)
  • 3 Jalapeño Peppers (seeds removed, sliced into strips; adjust quantity for heat preference)
  • 4 Potatoes (medium, scrubbed, cut into moon shapes with skin on; can peel if desired)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (for coating potatoes and sautéing vegetables; any neutral oil works)
  • 2 tsp Salt (for seasoning potatoes; additional salt for final seasoning)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (ground, for seasoning chicken and sauce)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
  • 1 cup Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Rinse all vegetables. Slice half of the onion into strips, remove seeds from the jalapeños and slice them into strips, trim the ends of the Roma tomatoes, remove the seeds, and cut into strips. Scrub the potatoes, leave the skins on, and cut into moon‑shaped wedges.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Season Potatoes

    Place the cut potatoes in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and toss with 2 tsp salt until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Prep Chicken

    Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slits on each side of the drumsticks. Season all sides with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Rub the spices into the meat.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Sear Chicken

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and sear for about 2 minutes per side until browned.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Partial‑Cook Potatoes

    Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate. Add the seasoned potatoes to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until they start to soften but are still firm.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Remove Potatoes

    Transfer the partially cooked potatoes to the same plate as the chicken and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Sauté Aromatics

    Add another 1 tbsp oil to the skillet if needed. Add the onion strips and jalapeño strips, sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  8. Add Tomatoes

    Stir in the tomato strips and cook for 2 minutes, allowing them to soften.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Add Garlic

    Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT0.5M

    Temperature: Medium

  10. Create Sauce

    Pour in the canned hot tomato sauce, add 1 cup water, and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  11. Simmer Chicken and Potatoes

    Return the seared chicken and partially cooked potatoes to the skillet, cover, reduce heat to medium‑low, and simmer for 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes are fork‑tender.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium‑low

  12. Finish & Serve

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Pollo Mexicana hot, optionally over white rice or with warm tortillas.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
880
Protein
55 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Last updated: July 1, 2026

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How to make POLLO A LA MEXICAN, a quick and easy One Pan Meal and under $15!!!

Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia

A budget-friendly, super‑easy one‑pan Mexican chicken stew with tender drumsticks, potatoes, fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and a flavorful hot tomato sauce. Ready in about 70 minutes and costs under $15, perfect for feeding a family of six.

EasyMexicanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
26m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.07
Total cost
$2.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Searing the chicken to develop flavor before simmering.
  • Partially cooking the potatoes so they finish perfectly with the chicken.
  • Scraping the pan when adding the sauce to incorporate browned bits.
  • Ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Watch the skillet when adding the hot sauce; steam can cause splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pollo Mexicana in Mexican cuisine?

A

Pollo Mexicana is a home‑style, comfort dish that reflects Mexico’s love for simple, hearty stews made with chicken, potatoes, and tomato‑based sauces. It’s often served at family gatherings and showcases the everyday flavors of chilies, cumin, and fresh produce.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pollo Mexicana in Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, the dish may include poblano peppers and a thicker tomato sauce, while in central regions it often features jalapeños and a slightly spicier broth. Some versions add corn or beans for extra texture.

cultural
Q

How is Pollo Mexicana traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Traditionally, Pollo Mexicana is served hot with a side of white rice, warm corn tortillas, and sometimes a fresh salsa or lime wedges. It’s common to garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced avocado.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Pollo Mexicana associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Pollo Mexicana is a go‑to dish for family meals, weekend lunches, and informal celebrations such as birthdays or community potlucks because it feeds a crowd affordably and can be made in one pan.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Pollo Mexicana versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chicken drumsticks, fresh jalapeños, Roma tomatoes, and a hot tomato sauce. Substitutes can be chicken thighs, serrano peppers for extra heat, and canned diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Pollo Mexicana?

A

Pollo Mexicana pairs nicely with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, and a simple green salad with lime dressing. For a fuller meal, serve with warm corn tortillas and a side of pico de gallo.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pollo Mexicana at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry, and not partially cooking the potatoes before adding the sauce, resulting in hard potatoes. Also, failing to scrape the pan loses the flavorful browned bits.

technical
Q

Why does this Pollo Mexicana recipe sear the chicken first instead of cooking everything together from the start?

A

Searing creates a caramelized crust that adds depth of flavor and helps lock in juices. Adding the chicken later to the simmering sauce ensures it stays tender while still absorbing the sauce’s spices.

technical
Q

Can I make Pollo Mexicana ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the stew a day ahead. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when Pollo Mexicana is done?

A

The chicken should be fully cooked, juicy, and easily pull away from the bone, with an internal temperature of 165°F. The potatoes should be fork‑tender, and the sauce should be a thick, glossy reddish‑orange coating the ingredients.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia specialize in?

A

Cooking Con Claudia focuses on budget‑friendly, family‑style meals that are quick to prepare, often featuring one‑pan or minimal‑equipment recipes for everyday home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Claudia emphasizes affordability and simplicity, using pantry staples and inexpensive cuts of meat, whereas many Mexican cooking channels showcase more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.

channel

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