Looking to recreate the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine at home? Try this homemade Pollo Fundido recipe! This delicious dish features a crispy flour tortilla filled with shredded chicken and topped with a melted fundido jalapeño cream cheese sauce. It’s the perfect combination of cheesy and spicy flavors that will leave you craving more.
Key Takeaways:
- Create an authentic Pollo Fundido dish with this easy recipe.
- The combination of shredded chicken, melted cheese, and spicy sauce makes Pollo Fundido a beloved Mexican classic.
- Make the fundido sauce in advance to save time.
- Customize your Pollo Fundido by adding ingredients like bell peppers or different types of cheese.
- Serve Pollo Fundido as a main dish or use it as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.
What is Pollo Fundido?
Pollo Fundido, directly translated as “melted chicken,” is a classic Mexican dish that is beloved in Mexican cuisine. It typically involves a chimichanga or burrito filled with shredded chicken and topped with a jalapeño cream cheese sauce that is melted on top. The combination of melted cheese, flavorful chicken, and spicy sauce makes Pollo Fundido a delicious and satisfying dish.
If you prefer, Pollo Fundido can also be served with the fundido sauce directly over chicken, accompanied by Mexican rice and beans. The cheesy and spicy flavors of this dish are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Take a look at this mouthwatering image of a Mexican Pollo Fundido:
How to make Pollo Fundido
Follow this easy Pollo Fundido recipe to create a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish at home.
Start by preparing the fundido sauce using a food processor or blender. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, milk, and seasonings, and blend until smooth. Set the sauce aside or make it in advance and refrigerate.
In a separate bowl, mix cooked shredded chicken with salsa, cumin, oregano, and shredded cheese. The combination of flavors will add depth to the dish.
Grab a tortilla and place a portion of the chicken mixture in the center. Fold the sides in and roll tightly to form a burrito.
Tip: You can amp up the flavors by adding diced bell peppers or onions to the chicken filling.
Heat a pan on medium heat and pan fry the burritos until golden brown on all sides. This will give them a crispy texture.
Spoon the fundido sauce over each burrito and sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top. Place the burritos under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Delicious Pollo Fundido is ready to be served. Garnish with green onions for added freshness!
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Pollo Fundido is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans to the chicken filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce and as a topping.
When it comes to serving Pollo Fundido, try these options:
- Enjoy it as a main dish with traditional sides like Mexican rice and refried beans.
- Use the chicken filling as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.
- Turn it into a delicious dip by serving it with tortilla chips.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
If you want to save time, you can make certain components of Pollo Fundido ahead of time. The fundido sauce can be prepared a week in advance and stored in the fridge. The chicken filling or assembled burritos can be refrigerated for 2-3 days before cooking.
Freezing Instructions: If you want to freeze the burritos, assemble them and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for 3-6 months, and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Pollo Fundido Recipe
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 4 oz cream cheese | In a food processor or blender, combine cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, milk, and seasonings. Blend until smooth. |
| 1/4 cup sour cream | |
| 2 tbsp diced jalapeños | |
| 1/4 cup milk | |
| 1 tsp cumin | |
| 1 tsp dried oregano | |
| 2 cups cooked shredded chicken | In a separate bowl, mix cooked shredded chicken with salsa, cumin, oregano, and shredded cheese. |
| 1/2 cup salsa | |
| 1/2 cup shredded cheese | |
| 4 flour tortillas | Place a portion of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides in and roll tightly to form a burrito. |
| Additional shredded cheese | |
| Green onions for garnish |
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Planning ahead can be a game-changer when it comes to preparing a traditional Pollo Fundido recipe. By making certain components in advance, you can save time and still enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this classic Mexican dish.
Make Ahead:
To ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking experience, here are some components of the Pollo Fundido recipe that you can prepare ahead of time:
- Fundido Sauce: You can make the deliciously creamy fundido sauce up to a week in advance. Just blend together cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, milk, and seasonings. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Chicken Filling: If you want to get a head start on assembling the Pollo Fundido burritos, you can prepare the chicken filling in advance. Cook and shred the chicken, then mix it with salsa, cumin, oregano, and shredded cheese. Keep the filling in the fridge for 2-3 days before using it.
Freezing Instructions:
If you’re looking to stock up on Pollo Fundido for future meals, you’ll be delighted to know that you can freeze it without sacrificing its taste. Here’s how you can do it:
- Assemble Burritos: Once you’ve prepared the chicken filling, assemble the Pollo Fundido burritos as instructed. Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped burritos in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for 3-6 months, ensuring you have a convenient stash of Pollo Fundido whenever the craving strikes.
- Thaw and Cook: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen Pollo Fundido, simply thaw the burritos overnight in the refrigerator. Then, continue with the cooking process as usual.
While the chicken filling and assembled burritos freeze well, it’s not recommended to freeze the fundido sauce. Freezing may alter its texture and affect the overall taste of the dish. Therefore, it’s best to prepare the sauce fresh or make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
| Components | Make Ahead Instructions | Freezing Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Fundido Sauce | Blend cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, milk, and seasonings. Store in the fridge for up to a week. | Not recommended to freeze |
| Chicken Filling | Cook and shred chicken. Mix with salsa, cumin, oregano, and shredded cheese. Store in the fridge for 2-3 days. | Assemble burritos and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for 3-6 months. |
Tips and Variations
Looking to add your own twist to the classic Pollo Fundido recipe? Here are some tips and variations to help you customize and personalize this beloved Mexican dish:
-
Enhance the Flavor and Texture: Take your Pollo Fundido to the next level by adding diced bell peppers or onions to the chicken filling. These veggies will not only add a pop of color but also bring a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to each bite.
-
Get Cheesy: Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce or as a topping. While the traditional fundido sauce uses cream cheese, you can try cheddar for a sharper flavor or Monterey Jack for a milder and creamier option.
-
Exploring New Ingredients: Don’t be afraid to introduce new elements to your Pollo Fundido. Consider adding diced tomatoes for a refreshing burst of acidity or corn to introduce a touch of sweetness. For an added protein punch, black beans can be a great addition to the filling.
Remember, these variations are just suggestions. Feel free to get creative, mix and match ingredients, and make your own unique Pollo Fundido creation!
Serving Suggestions
Pollo Fundido is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. While it is commonly served as a main dish accompanied by Mexican rice, refried beans, and other traditional sides, there are alternative serving options that can elevate your dining experience.
If you’re looking for a handheld option, consider using Pollo Fundido as a filling for tacos or enchiladas. The combination of the crispy flour tortilla, flavorful shredded chicken, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering bite that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
For a casual gathering or party, transform Pollo Fundido into a crowd-pleasing dip by heating it up and serving it in a communal bowl alongside tortilla chips. The creamy and cheesy nature of the dish makes it the perfect accompaniment for chip dipping.
No matter how you choose to serve it, the traditional Pollo Fundido recipe will always impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Serving Suggestions for Pollo Fundido
| Traditional | Handheld Option | Party Favorite |
|---|---|---|
| Accompanied by Mexican rice and refried beans | Used as a filling for tacos or enchiladas | Served as a dip with tortilla chips |
| Brings together the flavors of the main dish and sides | Creates a portable and convenient meal option | Perfect for casual gatherings or parties |
With its versatility and delicious taste, Mexican Pollo Fundido is an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you opt for the traditional serving style or explore creative variations, you’ll be sure to enjoy the flavors of this classic Mexican recipe.
Conclusion
Pollo Fundido is a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that you can easily prepare in the comfort of your own home. With its cheesy and spicy flavors, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you serve it as a main dish or incorporate it into other recipes, Pollo Fundido will transport you to the vibrant and flavorful world of authentic Mexican cuisine.
By following the simple Pollo Fundido recipe, you can recreate this classic dish and enjoy its mouthwatering combination of shredded chicken, jalapeño cream cheese sauce, and crispy tortilla. The creamy, melted cheese and the kick from the jalapeños create a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather the necessary ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and dive into the decadence of Pollo Fundido. Whether you’re planning a Mexican-themed dinner or simply want to explore new culinary horizons, this dish is a must-try. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this flavorful creation and experience the magic of a homemade Pollo Fundido.
FAQ
What is Pollo Fundido?
Pollo Fundido is a popular Mexican dish that consists of a crispy flour tortilla filled with shredded chicken and topped with a melted fundido jalapeño cream cheese sauce. It is often served with Mexican rice, refried beans, and other traditional sides.
How to make Pollo Fundido?
To make Pollo Fundido, start by preparing the fundido sauce using a food processor or blender to combine cream cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, milk, and seasonings. Set the sauce aside or make it in advance and refrigerate. In a separate bowl, mix cooked shredded chicken with salsa, cumin, oregano, and shredded cheese. Place a portion of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, fold the sides in, and roll tightly like a burrito. Pan fry the burritos until golden brown on all sides, then spoon the fundido sauce over each burrito and sprinkle with extra cheese. Broil briefly until the cheese is melted and serve garnished with green onion.
Can I make Pollo Fundido ahead of time or freeze it?
Yes, you can make certain components of the Pollo Fundido recipe ahead of time to save preparation time. The fundido sauce can be made a week in advance and stored in the fridge. The chicken filling or the assembled burritos can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days before cooking. If you want to freeze the burritos, assemble them and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for 3-6 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before continuing with the cooking process. It is not recommended to freeze the sauce as it may affect the flavor and texture.
Can I customize the Pollo Fundido recipe?
Absolutely! There are several ways to customize and personalize your Pollo Fundido recipe. You can add additional ingredients to the chicken filling, such as diced bell peppers or onions, to enhance the flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce or as a topping. Some variations include adding diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans to the filling for added depth of flavor. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
How is Pollo Fundido typically served?
Pollo Fundido is often served as a main dish alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, and other traditional sides. The combination of flavors and textures in the dish make it a satisfying and complete meal. You can also serve Pollo Fundido as a filling for tacos or enchiladas, or use it as a dip for tortilla chips. The versatility of this dish allows you to enjoy it in different ways, depending on your preferences and the occasion.