Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious Chile Verde Chicken recipe! This classic Mexican dish bursts with the bright, herbaceous flavors of tomatillos, green chiles, and tender chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes so good, you'll forget you're eating something nutritious! Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 4-6 serrano or jalapeño chiles, roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 large white onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and chiles and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Add the tomatillos and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatillos to soften. Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Return the blended sauce to the pot. Add the chicken, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the cilantro and lime juice (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite sides – rice, tortillas, or even a simple salad make perfect accompaniments. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner idea!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chiles to control the heat. For milder Chile Verde, use fewer chiles or substitute poblanos. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Pork Option: Substitute boneless pork shoulder for chicken. Pork will require a longer cooking time, around 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like diced potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for a heartier dish. Add them along with the chicken.
- Make it Ahead: This Chile Verde tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. This makes it a fantastic choice for meal prepping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Chile Verde Chicken recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transforming into a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a perfect example of how easy recipes can be both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Enjoy this taste of Mexico in your own kitchen!