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Salsa Verde Chicken

Salsa Verde Chicken
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Salsa Verde Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish combining fresh tomatillos, tender chicken breasts, and vibrant spices to create a bright, zesty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile and healthy recipe offers fresh herbal notes, moderate heat, and a satisfying balance of tang and spice that pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salsa Verde

  • 6–8 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small white or yellow onion, quartered
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salsa Verde: Husk and rinse the tomatillos thoroughly to remove their sticky coating. Combine tomatillos, jalapeño, onion, garlic, and salt in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth but still slightly chunky to maintain a fresh, rustic texture.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  3. Add the Salsa Verde: Pour the prepared salsa verde over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and allow the chicken to absorb the tangy sauce.
  4. Finish with Cilantro and Lime: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken to enhance brightness and freshness.

Notes

  • Use fresh tomatillos for the best texture and bright flavor instead of canned salsa verde.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño or serrano pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to lock in moisture.
  • Blend salsa verde until smooth but retain some texture for a fresh and rustic feel.

Nutrition

Keywords: Salsa Verde Chicken, Mexican chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken, tomatillo sauce, easy weeknight meal, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/salsa-verde-chicken/