Best 5 Grilled Chicken With Tomatillo Sauce Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Mexican cuisine with our grilled chicken with tomatillo sauce recipe. This delectable dish features tender and juicy chicken breasts marinated in a blend of zesty spices, then grilled to perfection. The accompanying tomatillo sauce, made with fresh tomatillos, roasted poblano peppers, and a hint of lime juice, delivers a vibrant and tangy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

Accompanying this main course are two additional recipes that round out your Mexican-inspired meal. The first is a simple yet flavorful Mexican rice recipe, perfect for soaking up the delicious tomatillo sauce. The second is a refreshing and vibrant cucumber salad with a zesty lime dressing that provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Together, these recipes offer a complete and satisfying culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico. Whether you're hosting a fiesta or simply craving a delicious and authentic Mexican meal, this grilled chicken with tomatillo sauce, Mexican rice, and cucumber salad is sure to impress.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH TOMATILLOS



Braised Chicken Thighs With Tomatillos image

Part stew, part braise, these chicken thighs become fall-apart tender in under an hour without the aid of any fancy appliances. Simmered in a tangy broth made from tomatillos and garlic, the sauce becomes delightfully thick and chicken-y, perfect for garnishing with lime, radishes and plenty of cilantro. It's terrific as is, served with tortillas for dipping, but a can of rinsed hominy, beans or cooked rice adds some nice heft.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     dinner, weekday, poultry, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 1/2 to 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 red or yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 pound tomatillos, husks removed, chopped
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, seeds removed if you like
4 cups chicken stock
1 (15-ounce) can hominy, chickpeas or other beans, rinsed and drained (or use 2 cups cooked rice)
4 radishes, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus 1 lime, halved, for serving
1 1/2 cups cilantro, tender leaves and stems
Corn tortillas, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to pot, skin side down and cook, without disturbing, until skin has rendered most of the fat and is a nice golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. (You want it to be very deeply golden brown so that it stays nice and brown as it braises.)
  • Using tongs, flip the chicken and continue to cook until nicely browned on the other side, another 5 or so minutes.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate or cutting board, leaving all the fat and golden bits behind. Add smashed garlic and half of the sliced onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatillos and half of the jalapeño and season with salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and add chicken back in, skin side up (they will not submerge all the way; that's fine). Simmer, uncovered, until tomatillos have completely broken down and the sauce has thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Add hominy and continue to cook until flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon (it should be looser than tomato sauce, thicker than soup), another 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine radish, remaining onion, remaining jalapeño and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
  • Serve each piece of chicken with sauce spooned around. Top with radish mixture, some cilantro and tortillas alongside for sopping up all the goods.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 693, UnsaturatedFat 27 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 42 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 42 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 1670 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS WITH TOMATILLO SAUCE



Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce image

Light and fresh chicken enchiladas filled with tender, smoky chicken and cheddar cheese in a tangy tomatillo sauce.

Provided by Jennifer Segal, inspired by a recipe in Cook's Illustrated

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
3 medium cloves garlic, peeled and smashed with the side of a chef's knife
¾ pound tomatillos, husks and stems removed, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 jalapeño chiles, seeded and roughly chopped (see note)
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1 pound chicken tenderloins
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
8 ounces (2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 6-inch corn tortillas
2½ tablespoons olive oil
3 ounces (¾ cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Smoked paprika
¾ cup sour cream
1 small heart of romaine lettuce (or 5-6 leaves), shredded
1 avocado diced
1 lime, sliced

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatillos, jalapeños, sugar, salt, cumin and ⅓ cup water; bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until tomatillos are softened, about 8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender and purée until completely smooth. Set aside.
  • Place the chicken tenderloins in a medium bowl and sprinkle with the cumin, smoked paprika and salt. Toss with tongs until the chicken is evenly coated with the spice blend.
  • Heat the oil in a large nonstick sauté pan until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken and cook until just done, about 2 minutes per side; transfer to a plate to cool. Do not rinse the pan. Add the onions and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
  • Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces. (All tenderloins have a tough tendon running through them; just remove it.) Add the shredded chicken to the pan with the onions, along with the chopped cilantro and shredded cheese.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Spread ¾ cup of the tomatillo sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  • Pour the oil into a small bowl or ramekin. Using a pastry brush (or your hands), brush both sides of each tortilla with oil, then stack them on a plate and microwave until hot and steamy, 1½ - 2 minutes. This makes them pliable.
  • Spoon about ⅓ cup of the filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place side by side in the baking dish, seam side down.
  • Pour the remaining chili sauce over the top, and use the back of a spoon to spread evenly over each tortilla. Sprinkle the cheese down the center of the enchiladas. Bake until hot and bubbling, 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle the smoked paprika down the center of the enchiladas and serve immediately with sour cream, lettuce, avocado and lime wedges. (The nutritional information below does not include the sour cream, romaine lettuce or avocado used to top the enchiladas.)
  • Note: If you touch the seeds of the jalapeño pepper, just be sure to wash your hands well and avoid touching your eyes.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cooked enchiladas can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost them in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then reheat, covered in foil, in a 325°F oven until hot.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 3/4 enchiladas, Calories 991, Fat 66g, Carbohydrate 61g, Protein 41g, SaturatedFat 18g, UnsaturatedFat 1g, Sugar 9g, Fiber 9g, Sodium 2070mg, Cholesterol 126mg

SHREDDED CHICKEN AND TOMATILLO TACOS WITH QUESO FRESCO



Shredded Chicken and Tomatillo Tacos with Queso Fresco image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 tomatillos, husked, washed, and grilled until blackened
1 serrano, grilled until blackened
Olive oil
1/2 small red onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 blue corn tortillas
1 cup crumbled queso fresco

Steps:

  • Preheat the grill to medium. Add the blackened tomatillos and serrano to a small saute pan and briefly saute in a little olive oil on the grates of the grill.
  • Place the tomatillos, serrano, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Place the tomatillo mixture in a large saute pan and place on the grates of the grill. Bring the mixture to a simmer, add the chicken, and heat through.
  • Place the tortillas on the grill, and grill for 20 seconds on each side. Spoon the chicken mixture into the tortillas and top with a few tablespoons of queso fresco. Fold the tortillas in half serve immediately.

CUMIN-CRUSTED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH GRILLED TOMATILLO SALSA



Cumin-Crusted Chicken Thighs with Grilled Tomatillo Salsa image

Provided by Fred Thompson

Categories     Chicken     Poultry     Marinate     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Spice     Summer     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Cumin     Advance Prep Required     Sugar Conscious     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Serves 4-8

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/4 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) canola oil
1/4 cup (1 oz/30 g) Cumin Crust Rub
For the Tomatillo Salsa
7 large tomatillos, papery husks removed, and cut in half
1 jalapeño chile, halved lengthwise and seeded
1/4 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup (3/4 oz/20 g) chopped fresh cilantro
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • 1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs and oil. Toss to coat the thighs evenly. Transfer the thighs to a platter and sprinkle evenly on all sides with the cumin rub. Set aside at room temperature.
  • 2. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for indirect grilling over medium heat; the temperature inside the grill should be 350°-375°F (180°-190°C). If using charcoal, bank the lit coals on either side of the grill bed, leaving a strip in the center without heat, and place a drip pan in the center. If using gas, preheat the burners, then turn off 1 or more of the burners to create a cooler zone. Brush and oil the grill grate.
  • 3. To make the salsa, place the tomatillos and chile over the direct-heat area of the grill. (You'll probably need a grill screen for the chile or you'll lose it through the grate.) Cook, turning as needed, until well charred on all sides, about 3 minutes. Transfer the tomatillos and chile to a blender, add the lime juice and oil, and pulse until combined but still chunky. Transfer to a bowl, fold in the cilantro, and season with salt. You should have about 2 cups (16 fl oz/500 ml). (The salsa can be made up to 1 week in advance and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
  • 4. Place the thighs, meaty side down, over the indirect-heat area of the grill. Cook, turning once, until the thighs are nicely grill-marked on both sides and firm to the touch and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh away from bone registers 170°F (77°C), 10-15 minutes on each side.
  • 5. Transfer the thighs to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve at once with the tomatillo salsa.

GRILLED BASIL CHICKEN AND TOMATOES



Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes image

Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It's one of those basil recipes that tastes just like summer. -Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 plum tomatoes
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)

Steps:

  • For marinade, place first five ingredients in a blender. Cut 4 tomatoes into quarters and add to blender; cover and process until blended. Halve remaining tomatoes for grilling., In a bowl, combine chicken and 2/3 cup marinade; refrigerate, covered, 1 hour, turning occasionally. Reserve remaining marinade for serving., Drain chicken, discarding marinade. Place chicken on an oiled grill rack over medium heat. Grill chicken, covered, until a thermometer reads 165°, 4-6 minutes per side. Grill tomatoes, covered, over medium heat until lightly browned, 2-4 minutes per side. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 171mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Choose the right chicken: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts of chicken are tender and juicy, and they cook quickly on the grill.
  • Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a flavorful marinade will help to keep it moist and flavorful. There are many different marinade recipes available, so choose one that suits your taste.
  • Grill the chicken over medium heat: This will help to prevent the chicken from burning or drying out. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through, but not overcooked.
  • Make the tomatillo sauce while the chicken is grilling: This will save you time and ensure that the sauce is hot and ready when the chicken is finished cooking.
  • Serve the chicken with the tomatillo sauce and your favorite sides: Some popular sides for grilled chicken with tomatillo sauce include rice, beans, and vegetables.

Conclusion:

Grilled chicken with tomatillo sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer cookout or a weeknight meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the tomatillo sauce is flavorful and tangy. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

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