Chicken Pibil is popular in Cancun

This week, we are preparing a dish that is very popular in the Cancun area. It is Chicken Pibil, a chicken dish that is cooked wrapped in banana leaves with a citrus sauce.

CHICKEN PIBIL

Ingredients

2 medium banana leaves (check your local produce market, some carry the leaves, others may order them for you)

1 whole chicken, cut into portions

1 cup lemon juice

1 cup orange juice

1 sprig epazote (usually available at Mexican markets)

2 tablespoons achiote paste (available at most grocery stores in the Hispanic aisle)

1 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the rice:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1⁄2 cup chopped onion

2 cups long-grain rice

4 cups chicken broth

1⁄2 cup finely diced carrot

1⁄2 cup fresh peas

Salt and pepper, to taste

Putting it together

Add the chicken pieces to a large mixing bowl. Pour the orange and lemon juice over the chicken. Finely chop the epazote (or you may even want to process it in a blender) and add to the bowl. Add the achiote paste, onion, garlic, salt and pepper and toss coat the chicken. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and marinate for at least two hours or overnight, if possible.

Place one of the banana leaves in the bottom of an oven-safe dish. Place half of the chicken in the center of the leaf, pour in half of the marinade liquid and fold the edges tightly over the chicken. Repeat the process with the remaining leaf, chicken pieces and marinade. Bake at 375 degrees for about one hour, or until chicken is cooked all the way through.

Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a large pan over high heat, add the oil and onion and cook for about one minute. Add the rice and cook until it begins to brown. Add the chicken broth, cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes. Add the carrot and peas and cook for five minutes. Turn heat off and let the rice rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Once the chicken is done, simply serve it with some of the rice and enjoy.

Antonio Villagomez is head chef and owner of Cilantro's restaurant and catering in Yuba City, Calif. Contact him at 530-844-2111. His website is cilantros.us.