This vibrant and flavorful chicken with green salsa recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and zesty flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Forget bland chicken – this recipe will tantalize your taste buds!
What Makes This Green Salsa Chicken Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it focuses on fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a truly unforgettable green salsa. We avoid jarred salsas, opting instead for a homemade blend that offers superior flavor and texture. The chicken is cooked to juicy perfection, ensuring a satisfying and delicious meal. Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to adjust the spice level and add your favorite vegetables or toppings.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Green Salsa:
- 4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 serrano peppers, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 white onion, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or crema fresca
- Cotija cheese
- Chopped red onion
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Green Salsa:
- Combine tomatillos, serrano peppers, onion, cilantro, and garlic in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend again to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Reduce heat to low and pour green salsa over the chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the salsa.
3. Serving:
- Serve the chicken immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, cotija cheese, and chopped red onion. Serve with rice, tortillas, or your favorite sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of peppers in the green salsa?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different peppers to adjust the heat level. Poblanos offer a milder heat, while jalapeños provide a medium heat. If you prefer a spicier salsa, add more serrano peppers or even a few habaneros (use caution with habaneros!).
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs (they are lower in fat), and reduce the amount of oil used for cooking. You can also add more vegetables to the salsa, like bell peppers or zucchini.
Can I make the green salsa ahead of time?
Yes! The green salsa can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually deepen over time.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Chicken breasts will be leaner, while thighs will be more tender and flavorful.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes! Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor. Simply marinate the chicken in the green salsa for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
This chicken with green salsa recipe is a fantastic option for a quick, delicious, and flavorful meal. Enjoy the fiesta!
