Cook The Book: Achiote-Marinated Chicken Wrapped In

Name: Cook The Book: Achiote-Marinated Chicken Wrapped In Banana Leaves
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup annatto seeds; 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled; 2 tablespoons salt; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 1/4 cup dried oregano; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 3/4 cup orange juice; 8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 3 pounds total); 3 large banana leaves; 4 plum tomatoes, cored and sliced; 1 red onion, sliced

Servings: persons

1/4 cup annatto seeds
1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1/4 cup dried oregano
1 tablespoon black pepper
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup orange juice
8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 3 pounds total)
3 large banana leaves
4 plum tomatoes, cored and sliced
1 red onion, sliced

1
Place the annatto seeds in a blender and turn on high until the seeds are ground. It's all right if the powder is not evenly ground-just try to get it as fine as you can.
2
Place the remaining marinade ingredients in the blender and puree until all the ingredients are well blended into a paste. Remove the marinade from the blender jar and set aside.
3
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag (you may need to use two) and pour in the marinade. Make sure to coat the chicken well with the marinade. Press out as much air as possible from the bag, seal it, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, or overnight.
4
Use kitchen scissors to cut eight pieces of banana leaves, each approximately 12 inches by 12 inches. Reserve any extra scraps of leaves to make ties.
5
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Lay a banana leaf square in front of you, making sure the shiny side is facing up. Place the chicken breast, with marinade still clinging to it, in the center of the leaf and top it with 3 or 4 slices of tomato and several onion slices.
6
Fold one side of the leaf over the chicken. Overlap the opposite side over the leaf. Fold the two ends in toward the center and place the package on a baking sheet seam side down. Tear a long strip from an extra piece of banana leaf and tie it around the chicken-stuffed package to secure it. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
7
Grill the packets Heat your grill to high (550u00b0F) and close the lid. Wait at least 15 minutes before lowering the heat to medium-high (450u00b0F) and continuing.
8
Place the banana leaf packets on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 25 minutes. The leaves will turn dark brown and have a burnt appearance. They will also begin to give off a smoky scent.
9
Pile the banana leaf packets on a serving platter and allow your guests to serve themselves and unwrap their packages.

822

kcal

Calories

Fat

109

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/4 cup annatto seeds, 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled, 2 tablespoons salt, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, and more.

Yes, Cook The Book: Achiote-Marinated Chicken Wrapped In Banana Leaves falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cook The Book: Achiote-Marinated Chicken Wrapped In Banana Leaves

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions