December 29, 2020

Recipe: Chile Verde Chicken

A flavorful entree, rich in nutrients and low in calories

chili verde chicken recipe

This warm, spicy dish is filled with flavor and comforting nourishment. Not only are the spices in this dish tasty, but they’re also filled with phytochemicals and antioxidants. It’s a perfectly healthy dish that can be made for dinner or lunch.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Ingredients

For the verde sauce:

3 cups low-sodium, organic chicken broth
16 small tomatillos, husked
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and halved
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 large white onion, chopped
1 bunch cilantro (about 3 ounces)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Juice of 2 limes
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the chicken:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 (5-ounce) boneless, skinless organic chicken breasts
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Advertisement

Directions

To make the verde sauce:

  1. Heat the broth in a medium pot over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the tomatillos, jalapeños and garlic cloves. Cook at a brisk simmer until the vegetables are soft, 5 to 6 minutes.
  2. Transfer the contents of the pot to a blender. Start to blend on low speed. While the blender is running, add the onion, cilantro, cumin, lime juice, salt and pepper through the feeder. Continue to blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. Set aside.

To make the chicken:

  1. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper and add them to the hot pan. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 3 minutes per side.
  2. Reduce the heat to low, and add the blended verde sauce. Cover the pan, and simmer until the chicken is very tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a platter. Using two forks, shred the meat. Return the chicken to the pan, toss with the sauce, and serve immediately.

Note: Any leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to three days in an air-tight container.

Nutritional information

Makes 4 servings

Advertisement

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 272
Fat 11g
Saturated fat 2g
Cholesterol 73mg
Fiber 3g
Protein 30g
Carbohydrate 12g
Sodium 188mg

Related Articles

Roasted Beets with Balsamic Vinegar and Herbs
December 5, 2023
Recipe: Roasted Beets With Balsamic Vinegar and Herbs

This colorful side dish will tantalize your taste buds

variety of food groups containing manganese and magnesium
November 30, 2023
Manganese vs. Magnesium: Two Important Minerals With Key Differences

They’re both essential minerals but do different jobs in your body

holy basil leaves, known as tulsi, on wooden spoon
November 30, 2023
The Benefits of Holy Basil (Tulsi)

This herb offers different potential benefits from the basil you find in pesto

cool tropical smoothie with straw
November 30, 2023
Recipe: Cool Tropical Smoothie

A zesty thirst-quencher that’s dairy-free and vegan

salmon and broccoli over rice
November 29, 2023
6 Foods To Eat for Healthy Joints

Fish, cruciferous veggies, turmeric, yogurt, ginger and green tea all reduce inflammation

skillet of ground turkey stroganoff
November 28, 2023
Recipe: Healthy Turkey Stroganoff

A hearty dish that’s easy to put together

Top view of a bowl of chili topped with sour cream and jalapeños with tortilla chips for dipping.
November 24, 2023
Recipe Adventure: How To Build a Better Bowl of Chili

From meat to beans, we’ve got some ideas to help you create the perfect-for-you chili recipe

Spearmint tea in a glass see through cup with spearmint leaves scattered on the saucer and background.
November 22, 2023
3 Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea

This subtly minty beverage can help balance hormones and loosen stiff joints

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad