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Chicken Chili Verde with Charred Tomatillos


  • Author: Stephanie
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

1 1/2 lb (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Chili Verde Sauce

1 lb (450 g) tomatillos, husked and halved

23 jalapeños, stemmed (seeded for less heat)

1 small onion, quartered

3 cloves garlic

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup chicken broth

Optional Garnishes

Fresh cilantro leaves

Lime wedges

Sliced avocado

Sour cream or Mexican crema


Instructions

1. Char the Tomatillos and Veggies

  • Preheat a skillet or broiler.

  • Place tomatillos, jalapeños, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet or directly on the skillet.

  • Roast or char for 8–10 minutes, until slightly blackened and softened.

2. Make the Verde Sauce

  • Transfer charred vegetables to a blender.

  • Add cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth.

  • Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Season chicken with salt and pepper.

  • Sear chicken 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.

4. Simmer

  • Pour the blended verde sauce over the chicken.

  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15–20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.

5. Serve

  • Garnish with cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and crema if desired.

  • Serve with steamed rice, tortillas, or tortilla chips.

Notes

Adjust heat: Keep or remove jalapeño seeds depending on your spice tolerance.

Chicken option: Bone-in thighs can be used, but increase simmering time.

Storage: Keeps in the fridge up to 3 days or freezes well.

Extra flavor: Add a splash of lime juice before serving for brightness.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 35

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420