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Salsa Verde Chicken

Salsa Verde Chicken
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Salsa Verde Chicken is a vibrant and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs simmered in a tangy, fresh tomatillo salsa verde sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this flavorful meal balances zest, spice, and heartwarming goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 8–10 fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1 large white onion, peeled and quartered
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 jalapeños, stemmed (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salsa Verde: Husk and rinse the tomatillos thoroughly. Roast the tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic cloves, and quartered onion under a broiler or on a hot skillet until slightly charred and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer these to a blender, add fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt, then blend until smooth and vibrant green.
  2. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side, then remove from heat.
  3. Simmer Chicken in Salsa Verde: Pour the freshly made salsa verde over the seared chicken in the skillet. Add chicken broth to keep the sauce saucy and add flavor. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and infused with the salsa flavors.
  4. Final Touches: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro on top or add a fresh squeeze of lime juice to brighten the dish before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh tomatillos instead of canned for best flavor and vibrant tang.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat or add extra for a spicier dish.
  • Simmer the chicken on low heat to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Serve immediately for best taste; leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: Salsa verde, chicken thighs, Mexican recipe, tomatillo sauce, one-pot meal, easy dinner, healthy chicken, spicy chicken, weeknight dinner

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