Zesty Grilled Cumin Chicken with Colorful Tomatillo Salsa
This vibrant dish elevates classic grilled chicken with an enticing blend of spices and a fresh, zesty tomatillo salsa that bursts with flavor. The cumin-seasoned chicken is perfectly grilled to juicy perfection and paired with a lively sauce made from tangy tomatillos, fresh cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for a subtle kick. Ideal for summer barbecues or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also pairs wonderfully with chipotle rice, making it a complete meal your family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (None)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (6 ounces each) (None)
Tomatillos
1/2 lb (Husked and washed)
Chicken broth
1/2 cup (None)
Cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (None)
Green onions
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Garlic clove
1 (Chopped)
Jalapeño pepper
1 (Seeded and chopped (leave seeds for more heat))
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Cooking spray
As needed (For greasing the grill)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
2
In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, black pepper, and minced garlic. Add the chicken breasts, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tomatillo salsa. Remove the husks and stems from the tomatillos. In a small saucepan, combine the tomatillos and chicken broth. Cover and cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes until tomatillos are tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
4
In a food processor, add the cooked tomatillos, cilantro, chopped green onions, fresh lime juice, sugar, salt, the additional chopped garlic, and the jalapeño pepper. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. Evenly sprinkle the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
6
Lightly coat the grill rack with cooking spray. Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks.
7
Serve the grilled chicken hot, topped with a generous spoonful of the fresh tomatillo salsa.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Cumin Chicken with Colorful Tomatillo Salsa?
This is a vibrant dish featuring grilled chicken seasoned with cumin and paired with a zesty, fresh salsa made from tangy tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapeo.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
The chicken should marinate in a mixture of olive oil, ground cumin, black pepper, and garlic for approximately 15 minutes.
What are the ingredients for the chicken marinade?
The marinade is made using 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prepare the tomatillos for the salsa?
Remove the husks and stems, then cook the tomatillos in a saucepan with 1/2 cup of chicken broth for about 8 minutes until tender.
What temperature should I set my grill to?
You should preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best results.
How long does the chicken take to grill?
The chicken breasts should be grilled for approximately 6 minutes on each side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the grilled chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
What ingredients are in the tomatillo salsa?
The salsa consists of cooked tomatillos, cilantro, green onions, lime juice, sugar, salt, garlic, and jalapeo pepper.
How can I make the salsa spicy?
You can leave the seeds in the jalapeo pepper to add more heat to the salsa.
Is this recipe good for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner.
What should I serve with this chicken?
This recipe pairs wonderfully with chipotle rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
How do I process the salsa ingredients?
Once the tomatillos are cooked and cooled, place them in a food processor with the other salsa ingredients and blend until smooth.
Do I need to grease the grill rack?
Yes, it is recommended to lightly coat the grill rack with cooking spray before placing the chicken on the grill.
How many garlic cloves are used in total?
The recipe uses 3 garlic cloves in total: 2 for the chicken marinade and 1 for the salsa.
When do I add salt to the chicken?
After removing the chicken from the marinade and discarding the liquid, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of salt evenly over the chicken before grilling.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, weighing about 6 ounces each.
What liquid is used to cook the tomatillos?
The tomatillos are simmered in 1/2 cup of chicken broth until they are tender.
Is there sugar in the salsa?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is added to the salsa to balance the flavors.
Should the tomatillos be washed?
Yes, after removing the husks, the tomatillos should be washed to remove any sticky residue.
What is the role of lime juice in the salsa?
The 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice provide a bright, zesty acidity that complements the grilled chicken.
How much cilantro is required?
The salsa recipe uses 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves.
Are the green onions cooked?
No, the 1/4 cup of chopped green onions is added raw to the food processor to maintain a fresh flavor.
What gives the chicken its earthy flavor?
The ground cumin in the marinade provides the chicken with its signature earthy and aromatic flavor.
Can I use the leftover marinade as a sauce?
No, you should always discard the marinade that has touched raw chicken to ensure food safety.
How do I know the tomatillos are ready to blend?
They are ready once they have simmered for about 8 minutes and are tender to the touch.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the 4 chicken breast halves listed, this recipe typically serves 4 people.
What type of oil is best for the marinade?
The recipe recommends using 2 teaspoons of olive oil for the marinade.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil, making it a nutritious choice.
Can the salsa be made ahead of time?
While the instructions have you make it while the chicken marinates, it can be prepared slightly ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
What texture should the salsa have?
The salsa should be processed in a food processor until it is smooth and well combined.