As a brand born in Nueva York, we’re excited to be expanding into more grocery stores nationwide, including stores on the west coast! One of our California-based grocery partners is McCall’s Meat & Fish Co., a gourmet neighborhood market carrying the highest quality meats & fish, skillfully prepped and portioned for at-home chefs. In addition, they carry a wide array of pantry items, dedicated to providing the best quality ingredients needed to prepare any dish, including our Salt-Free Adobo, Salt-Free Sazón, y Classic Sofrito!

We’re honored to have our Salt-Free Sazón included in their Meat & Fish Club monthly subscription box for March 2024. Here is a copy of their Cast Iron Sazón Chicken recipe, created by McCall’s in-house chef, and adapted by our in-house recipe developer Franchesca Livraghi. ¡Buen provecho!

Sazón chicken is an easy and delicious meal you can prep, throw in the oven, and forget about until it’s time to enjoy it! You only need a couple quarter chicken legs, Loisa’s seasonings and Sofrito, and a few fresh ingredients like lime, garlic, and cilantro to put this baked chicken together! 

This recipe for Baked Sazón Chicken is adapted from McCall’s original recipe for Cast Iron Sazón Chicken. While this recipe adaptation utilizes Loisa’s regular Organic Sazón y Adobo, you’re welcome to sub Loisa’s Organic Salt-Free Sazón y Adobo according to the listed measurements. 

And since it's a baked chicken recipe, you might expect the final result to be dry or lacking in juiciness. But thanks to the combination of Loisa's seasonings, Sofrito, and the baking method used, the chicken turns out incredibly juicy, tender, and packed with delicious sabor that tastes like it's been slow-cooked for hours - despite its quick and easy preparation. It's the perfect option for busy weeknights when you want an easy dinner with plenty of leftovers.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Letting your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes is crucial for maximizing flavor. It allows all those delicious seasonings and spices to seep deep into the chicken, enhancing its taste from the inside out.
• To get that perfect sear on your chicken, make sure your pan is hot before you throw it in. You want it sizzling and ready to go! And don't crowd the pan - give each piece of meat some space to work its magic. That way, you'll get that beautiful golden brown crust that's packed with flavor. 
• Letting your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking is key to keeping it juicy and tender. When you cook meat, the heat makes the juices move towards the center. If you slice into it right away, those tasty juices end up on your plate instead of staying inside the meat. Giving it a little break off the heat lets those juices spread out evenly throughout the meat, making each bite extra juicy and flavorful. Just give it about 5 minutes to relax before you serve it up, and you're good to go.

Serving Tips

• Sazón Baked Chicken is fantastic when served alongside any kind of rice dish. I prefer Arroz Blanco or Arroz con Gandules, but the possibilities are pretty much endless here. It's the ultimate pairing that never disappoints.
• Other sides like tostones, platano maduro, and ensalada de papa are delicious when paired with this crispy Baked Sazón Chicken. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Common Questions

Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of quarter chicken legs?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use other cuts such as chicken thighs or drumsticks to make this dish. But keep in mind that each cut of chicken has its own unique characteristics, which may affect cooking times. Chicken thighs, for instance, are slightly fattier and denser than chicken legs, so they may require a bit longer in the oven to ensure they're fully cooked and tender. On the other hand, drumsticks are smaller and cook faster, so you'll want to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Is it necessary to let the chicken sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors?

Allowing the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes not only helps the flavors penetrate the meat but also allows it to come closer to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking throughout. But, if you're pressed for time, you can skip this step or marinate for longer and let the chicken sit for 30 minutes before cooking.

What type of pan can I use if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron pan is ideal, there are several alternative options available. A caldero pot, with its thick walls and excellent heat retention, can work as an excellent substitute for a cast iron skillet. Alternatively, any kind of oven-safe pan, such as stainless steel or non-stick, can also do the trick. The key is to make sure that the pan you choose can withstand high heat for both stovetop searing and oven baking. This way, you can achieve that beautiful golden brown crust on your chicken without worrying about your pan warping or damaging in the process.