What is Chicken Chorizo? A Spicy and Savory Sausage Substitute

Chicken chorizo has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork chorizo. This versatile sausage substitute boasts a similar smoky, spicy, and savory flavor profile while using lean ground chicken as its base. But what exactly is chicken chorizo, and how did it originate? Let’s take a closer look at this flavorful sausage swap.

Understanding Chicken Chorizo

At its core, chicken chorizo shares the same general qualities as pork chorizo – a vibrant red hue, a rich blend of spices, and a distinctive smoky taste. However, by using ground chicken instead of pork, it provides a lighter and often healthier take on chorizo.

The chicken can be a mix of dark and white meat, though many recipes call for solely breast meat to keep it lean. The seasonings mimic the traditional chorizo zing, relying on a bold medley of ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. The paprika lends both color and smokiness, while the garlic and chili pepper offer pungent, spicy notes.

Some recipes also incorporate tangy vinegar or Spanish wine for added complexity. The result is a sausage that bears all the hallmarks of chorizo but with a more delicate protein base.

Key Differences from Pork Chorizo

There are a few key differences that set chicken chorizo apart from its pork ancestor:

• Leaner with less fat Chicken, especially breast meat, contains less fat and calories than pork. This makes chicken chorizo a lighter and healthier alternative

• Milder texture: Pork chorizo often has a dense, crumbly texture. Chicken chorizo tends to be a bit softer and less dense.

• No curing required Many pork chorizos rely on curing and fermenting Chicken chorizo is sold raw and must be thoroughly cooked before eating

• Versatile flavor profiles: Chicken chorizo can take on Spanish, Mexican, or other cultural flavor influences based on ingredients.

So in essence, chicken chorizo provides a fresh take on a classic sausage using a leaner and milder substitute for the pork.

Cooking with Chicken Chorizo

One of the great things about chicken chorizo is how versatile it is. This flavor-packed sausage can be incorporated into everything from breakfast tacos to hearty stews. Here are some tips for cooking with chicken chorizo:

• Remove casing – Unless using it whole, it’s best to remove the casing to crumble into dishes.

• Brown in a skillet – Sauté over medium heat to cook through and brown.

• Add to eggs – Scrambled, omelets, frittatas…it’s delicious in eggs!

• Use in tacos – Combine with tortillas, lettuce, cheese for easy tacos.

• Incorporate into soups – Add chicken chorizo to chilis, stews, and vegetable soups.

• Bake into casseroles – Mix into rice casseroles, lasagnas, and bakes.

• Grill links – Grill whole sausage links until fully cooked through.

Chicken chorizo really can be used anywhere you’d use pork chorizo or ground sausage. Feel free to get creative!

A Brief History of Chicken Chorizo

While pork chorizo can be traced back centuries in Spanish and Mexican cuisine, chicken chorizo is a much more recent invention. So where did this trendy sausage swap originate?

• 20th century US: Earliest known uses of chicken chorizo recipes to provide a kosher alternative to pork.

• 1980s-90s: More Mexican restaurants experiment with chicken chorizo in tacos, burritos, etc.

• Early 2000s: Wider availability in grocery stores and mainstream recipes.

• 2010s: Rising popularity as a high protein, low fat meat choice. Appears on restaurant menus.

• Today: Widely available and used in everything from tacos to pizzas to casseroles. Beloved for its lean and flavorful qualities.

So while chicken chorizo took inspiration from traditional Mexican and Spanish cuisines, it evolved as a more recent phenomenon, gaining widespread popularity in the 21st century.

Why Did Chicken Chorizo Catch On?

What sparked this surge in popularity? Here are some of the key factors:

• Increasing interest in lean, high protein foods – As nutrition education improved, leaner meats became more desirable.

• Rising popularity of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines – Tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more fueled demand.

• Creativity in home and restaurant kitchens – Chefs and home cooks alike began exploring flavorful options beyond pork.

• Appeal to various dietary needs – Provides options for kosher, halal, vegetarian, and vegan eaters when made without pork.

• Rising costs of pork – As pork prices fluctuated, consumers sought budget-friendly alternatives.

So the combination of health, taste, and cost considerations all collided to catapult chicken chorizo into the mainstream as a staple ingredient.

Common Questions about Chicken Chorizo

If you’re new to cooking with chicken chorizo, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is chicken chorizo healthier than pork chorizo?

Yes, chicken chorizo is generally the healthier choice. Using lean chicken means it’s lower in fat and calories than pork varieties. However, health factors still vary between brands.

What’s the difference between Spanish chorizo and Mexican chorizo?

Mexican chorizo is fresh and needs cooking. Spanish chorizo is usually cured, allowing it to be eaten without cooking. They also differ in seasoning ingredients. Both can be made with chicken.

What spices are in chicken chorizo?

Common spices include smoked paprika, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, and vinegar or wine. Recipes range from mild to very spicy.

Can you freeze chicken chorizo?

Yes, both raw and cooked chicken chorizo can be frozen for 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap tightly and seal in an airtight container. Defrost fully before using.

Can I make my own chicken chorizo?

You absolutely can make it yourself at home! Just combine ground chicken with your favorite blend of Mexican or Spanish spices and cook up a batch. This lets you customize flavors.

Simple Homemade Chicken Chorizo Recipe

Want to try whipping up your own chicken chorizo? Here is an easy recipe to start with:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken (combo of white and dark meat)
• 2 tablespoons smoked Spanish paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasoning evenly.
2. Form into patties or crumble into a skillet to cook. Brown over medium-high heat until chicken is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Use in desired recipes, or store cooked chorizo in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy!

A Flavorful and Healthy Sausage Swap

Chicken chorizo has clearly earned its place as a staple ingredient for home cooks and restaurants alike. Its winning combination of succulent chicken, vibrant seasoning, and lighter nutrition profile make it perfect for everything from street tacos to gourmet risottos. Beyond mimicking pork chorizo, chicken chorizo has carved out an identity all its own – a tasty and healthier alternative that is here to stay.

So next time a recipe calls for Mexican or Spanish flair, don’t overlook the power of chicken chorizo. This versatile sausage substitute will give a flavor punch while keeping your cooking lighter. ¡Buen provecho!