To help build deep layers of flavor in these tacos, Fermín Núñez begins his marinade by toasting and charring aromatics: dried chiles, cinnamon, allspice, and onions all hit the heat before soaking with juicy chicken thighs for an hour, imparting smoky flavor before they cook quickly on the grill or in the oven (see Note). Pair them with fresh tomatillo salsa cruda for a next-level taco night.
The beauty of this grilled tamarind chicken is both its sharp and piquant flavor and its simplicity. A potent tamarind-and-chipotle marinade renders a richly flavored, juicy, and tender chicken in mere minutes, making it equally suited for a weeknight meal or a dinner party. The tamarind concentrate in the marinade adds a sour funk that complements the freshness of the cilantro leaves and smoky heat of the chipotle chile paste. The marinade gives the chicken a dark, lacquered appearance and will char a little as it cooks, becoming caramelized, chewy, and ultimately, mouthwateringly delicious. Grilling the chicken over coals will naturally impart a more smoky finish, while roasting the chicken in the oven (see Note) will produce the liveliest sour and spicy flavors.
The secret to incredibly flavorful chicken cutlets is a quick marinade in feta brine in advance of grilling. Food & Wine’s Justin Chapple then whips the feta cheese with lemon juice and olive oil to use as a spread for the excellent sandwiches here.
Caramelized tomato paste, briny pimento-stuffed olives, and aromatics give this soupy rice dish the foundation to stand alone as a hearty main course.
The rice in this casserole filling is cooked until it starts to fall apart, thickening the liquid.
For this Hainanese chicken recipe, a whole chicken is poached with scallions and ginger, then sliced and served with garlicky rice and two bold dipping sauces.
This white chicken chili is savory and creamy — with just the right amount of spice.
Lan Samantha Chang's family adds even more savory flavor to their favorite lo mein recipe with dried shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Baking the noodles with the mushroom soaking liquid and soy sauce infuses them with rich flavor, complemented by the stir-fried chicken, eggs, and celery that complete the dish.
This decadent riff on the classic Italian-American dish is served with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
For this spicy curry, chicken thighs and drumsticks simmer in a rich sauce seasoned with chiles, garlic, ginger, and an array of spices.
