The Magic of Chicken Chile Verde: A Quick and Flavorful Delight
Chile Verde season is upon us, and it's the perfect time to indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this beloved dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, Chicken Chile Verde offers an easy yet delicious meal that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. With pre-roasted hatch chilies and a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe transforms chicken breasts into a savory, mouth-watering stew that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. The best part? You can skip the all-purpose flour if you're watching your calories, and it will still turn out just as delectable.
The key to a great Chicken Chile Verde lies in the blend of roasted hatch chilies, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro, all brought together with a hearty chicken broth. This combination creates a sauce that's both vibrant and comforting, elevating the dish to new heights. Adding a bit of gelatin to the broth mixture can make it taste like it's been simmering for hours, enhancing the depth of flavor without the extra time. As the sauce thickens and melds with the seasoned chicken and chopped onions, the aromas that fill your kitchen will be nothing short of magical.
Chicken Chile Verde is versatile enough to please a variety of palates. Whether served as a stew, wrapped in a burrito, or paired with rice and beans, it's a meal that satisfies and delights. The comforting sauce complements not only chicken but also pork, beef, or even tofu, making it a flexible option for different dietary preferences. This dish is a testament to the joy of cooking with simple, fresh ingredients, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your blender, and get ready to experience the magic of Chile Verde.
Ingredients:
2 pounds of chicken breasts (cut into smaller pieces)
1 teaspoon of salt
4 minced garlic cloves
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (optional)
8 hatched green chilies (plus 2 extra if small; pre-roasted and peeled)
1 jalapeño
A bunch of cilantro (about 18 stems)
Chicken broth (to fill the blender to the max liquid line)
1/2 a chopped onion
1 teaspoon of ground cumin (or 1.5 teaspoons if preferred)
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 spoon of Mexican oregano
1 tablespoon of oil or leftover chicken fat
1 tablespoon of gelatin (optional, for enhanced flavor) + 1/4 cup of water (to dissolve the gelatin)
Instructions:
Place the hatch chillies in the air fryer at 380°F for 15 minutes. - Remove the stem, skin, and seeds. - Place them in a bag for later use.
Season the cut chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 minced garlic cloves. Combine everything so that the salt and garlic adhere to the chicken. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (optional) and mix well. Set the seasoned chicken aside.
To your blender, add 8 roasted hatch chillies (add two more if they are small). Add 1 jalapeño and the cilantro. Fill the blender with chicken broth up to the max liquid line. Blend until smooth.
Heat your pan on high heat until it starts to smoke. Add 1/2 teaspoon of oil (or chicken fat if available for extra flavor).
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook until it starts to render. Add 1/2 chopped onion and continue to cook on high for another 2.5 minutes without moving the chicken.
If adding the gelatin, dissolve 1 tablespoon of gelatin in 1/4 cup of water and fully combine. Set aside to add to the broth mixture later.
Add the blended chile verde sauce to the pan. Add 2 of the reserved roasted hatch chillies, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the remaining chicken broth and Mexican oregano.Stir well and bring to a vigorous boil.
Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for 10-13 minutes until the sauce is nice and thick.
Serve the Chicken Chile Verde as is or in a big, juicy burrito. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Chile Verde!
Bonus Tip:
-To enhance the flavor of the stew, especially if you’re not using freshly made chicken broth, add a little bit of gelatin. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of gelatin in one-fourth cup of water and mix it into the broth mixture.
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