Savory Chicken in Zesty Green Salsa
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Savory Chicken in Zesty Green Salsa, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breast fillets with a luscious green salsa packed with garlic, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. This recipe brings together the warmth of spices and the creaminess of sour cream to create a mouthwatering experience. Perfectly paired with fluffy Spanish rice and a refreshing green salad, this dish is ideal for family dinners or special gatherings. Treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavor that's easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breast fillets
4 (boneless, skinless)
flour
1 cup (for dredging)
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
salsa verde
2 2/3 cups (mild)
chicken broth
1 cup (low-sodium recommended)
garlic cloves
3 (minced fine)
cilantro
3 tablespoons (minced fine)
fresh jalapeño
1 (seeded and minced)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor enhancement)
sour cream
1 cup (for topping)
green onions
3-5 (chopped green part only)
Instructions
1
Season each chicken breast fillet generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
2
On a large plate, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once sizzling, carefully add the flour-coated chicken breasts.
4
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown but not completely cooked through. Turn the chicken only once to achieve an even sear.
5
Remove the browned chicken from the pot and place it on a warm plate to rest.
6
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits clinging to the bottom.
7
Mix in the salsa verde, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and ground cumin. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
8
As soon as the sauce begins to boil, reduce the heat to low to let it simmer gently.
9
Return the chicken breasts to the pot, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cover and let simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
10
Taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
11
To serve, place the chicken on a large platter, generously ladling the sauce over each piece. Top each chicken breast with a heaping tablespoon of sour cream and finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken in Zesty Green Salsa?
It is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast fillets with a tangy green salsa, garlic, jalapeo, and fresh cilantro.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce consists of salsa verde, chicken broth, minced garlic, diced jalapeo, chopped cilantro, and ground cumin.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breast fillets should be boneless, skinless, seasoned with salt and pepper, and dredged in flour.
What type of salsa verde is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 2/3 cups of mild salsa verde.
Why is the chicken dredged in flour?
Dredging the chicken in flour helps create a golden-brown crust when seared and helps thicken the sauce later.
How long should I cook the chicken initially?
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until it is golden brown, turning only once.
What is used to brown the chicken?
The chicken is cooked in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Should the chicken be fully cooked during the first step?
No, the chicken should be golden brown but not completely cooked through before being removed to rest.
What is the purpose of adding chicken broth to the pot?
The chicken broth is used to deglaze the pot, allowing you to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
How do I prepare the jalapeo?
The jalapeo should be seeded and minced fine.
When do I add the cumin and cilantro?
Mix them into the pot along with the salsa verde and garlic once the pot has been deglazed with broth.
What is the simmering time for the chicken in the sauce?
The chicken should simmer in the sauce, covered, for approximately 15 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is fully cooked through, tender, and the internal temperature is safe.
What are the recommended toppings for this dish?
The dish is topped with a heaping tablespoon of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
What parts of the green onion should I use?
Use only the chopped green parts of the green onions.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
While it contains jalapeo and salsa verde, the heat is balanced by the sour cream and chicken broth.
What type of chicken broth is best for this recipe?
A low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to better control the salt level.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, you should taste the sauce after simmering and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It pairs perfectly with fluffy Spanish rice and a refreshing green salad.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large heavy-bottomed pot is recommended for even heat distribution.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, minced fine.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to reduce the amount of extra salt added.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and an easy dinner, suitable for family meals.
What is the role of ground cumin?
Ground cumin is used for flavor enhancement, adding warmth to the salsa.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, covering the pot helps the chicken cook through evenly and stay tender.
How is the chicken served?
The chicken is placed on a large platter with the sauce generously ladled over each piece.
Can I make this for guests?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and impressive presentation make it ideal for special gatherings.
What category of cuisine does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Mexican cuisine and comfort food.
How much flour is required for dredging?
You will need 1 cup of flour for dredging the four chicken breast fillets.