Introduction
Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce is a delightful fusion of flavors that combines spicy, smoky chicken with a creamy, nutty sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with a unique and delicious meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chipotle Chicken:
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 1/2 – 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder (substitute 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika if preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Chunky Pistachio Sauce:
1 large firm avocado, diced
1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachios
1/2 cup packed cilantro
0.5 oz chives (approximately one small bundle)
Juice and zest of one lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
Prep Time
Approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
To prepare the Chipotle Chicken, trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. In a bowl, combine the chicken with taco seasoning, chipotle powder (or smoked paprika), and olive oil, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook, flipping once, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For the Chunky Pistachio Sauce, pulse the pistachios, cilantro, and chives in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and add diced avocado, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and kosher salt. Stir to combine, creating a thick, chunky sauce.
Serve sliced chicken with the chunky pistachio sauce on the side or spooned over the top for a delicious and vibrant meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
– Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs.
– In a bowl, combine the chicken with taco seasoning, chipotle powder (or smoked paprika), and olive oil. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
Cook the Chicken:
– Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
– Add the seasoned chicken and cook, flipping once, until both sides are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Prepare the Chunky Pistachio Sauce:
– In a food processor, pulse the pistachios, cilantro, and chives until finely chopped.
– Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the diced avocado, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and kosher salt. Stir to combine, creating a thick, chunky sauce.
Serve:
– Slice the cooked chicken and serve with the chunky pistachio sauce on the side or spooned over the top.
Notes
Chicken Tips:
– For more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with the spice mixture.
Spice Substitute:
– If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of chipotle powder.
Pistachio Sauce Texture:
– The sauce should be chunky, so avoid over-processing in the food processor.
Storage:
– Leftover pistachio sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Cook techniques
Preparation of Chicken
Carefully trim excess fat from the chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and prevent flare-ups while grilling or cooking in a skillet.
Seasoning the Chicken
Mix taco seasoning, chipotle powder, and olive oil in a bowl and coat the chicken thighs thoroughly. Allow the spices to penetrate the meat for better flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high temperature to achieve a nice sear. Cook the chicken, flipping only once, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Making the Chunky Pistachio Sauce
Pulse the pistachios, cilantro, and chives in a food processor to create a fine mixture before combining with diced avocado and other ingredients to maintain a chunky texture.
Serving the Dish
Slice the cooked chicken and serve it alongside or topped with the chunky pistachio sauce for a flavorful combination.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but be aware that they may require a shorter cooking time to avoid drying out.
What can I substitute for pistachios?
You can substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the chicken?
You can reduce the amount of chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a milder flavor or increase it for more heat.
Can I make the chunky pistachio sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Is the chunky pistachio sauce vegan?
Yes, this sauce is vegan as it contains no animal products.
Conclusion
This Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce is a delightful blend of smoky and creamy flavors that is sure to elevate your meal. The spicy chicken paired with the vibrant pistachio sauce creates an exciting dish that can be served on various occasions. Perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to prepare.
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