Name: Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 4 1/2 pounds chicken (broken down into individual breasts, thighs, drums, and wings); 6 tablespoons avocado oil; 10 cups chicken stock (or water, or vegetable stock); 2 peeled yellow onions (cut into wedges); 6 peeled tomatillos; 2 seeded poblano peppers; 1 seeded serrano pepper; 2 garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon peppercorns; ½ cup sesame seeds; ¾ cup pepitas (, pumpkin seeds); ¾ cup peanuts; 4 romaine lettuce leaves; ½ cup radish greens; 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems; 2 epazote leaves (optional); coarse sea salt and fresh cracked pepper (to taste)

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Creating a dish like Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken is an experience that warms my heart and fills my kitchen with unforgettable aromas. I remember the first time I tried this vibrant Mexican dish; it was a family gathering, and the flavors of roasted tomatillos and spices danced in the air. The blend of textures from the tender chicken and the thick, rich sauce is something that brings everyone together around the table. Every bite tells a story of tradition, and as I prepare this dish, I feel connected to the generations that have come before me. Cooking has always been a way for me to express love, and this recipe does just that. It’s not just about the eating; it’s about the memories created while sharing a meal. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive celebration, Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken is a dish that promises to impress. It’s a beautiful representation of comfort food, where every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors that celebrates the essence of home-cooked meals.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
2 hr 30 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
120 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
40 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
25 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Blender, Peeler, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet, Food Processor, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Skillet, Oven

Why We Love This Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken

Rich, Complex Flavors

The magic of Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken lies in its rich and complex flavors. The sauce is a blend of roasted vegetables, nuts, and spices that create an unforgettable taste experience. Each ingredient complements the other, making every bite a delight.

A Healthy Option

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. From the lean protein of the chicken to the vitamins from the tomatillos and peppers, it’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the reasons I adore Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken is that it can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy the flavors even more as it sits, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable to Taste

This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer peppers, or even switch up the nuts used in the sauce for a different twist. It’s a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Family-Friendly Meal

When it comes to family dinners, Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken is a winner. Kids and adults alike love the hearty flavors, and it’s a fantastic way to introduce them to new ingredients without overwhelming their taste buds.

Tradition Meets Modern Cooking

This dish beautifully bridges traditional cooking methods with modern convenience. You can opt for slow cooking or use a pressure cooker, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their cooking style.

Everything You Need for Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is key to mastering Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken. Each component brings its unique flavor and texture, working harmoniously to create a dish that is both satisfying and vibrant. From the roasted vegetables that form the base of the sauce to the tender chicken that absorbs all those delicious flavors, these ingredients are the heart of this culinary masterpiece.

4 1/2 pounds chicken – A mix of breasts, thighs, drums, and wings provides a variety of textures and flavors, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
6 tablespoons avocado oil – This oil is perfect for sautéing and adds a rich flavor without overpowering the dish.
10 cups chicken stock, water, or vegetable stock – A flavorful liquid base that helps braise the chicken and infuse it with moisture.
2 peeled yellow onions – Adding sweetness and depth of flavor, onions are essential for a hearty sauce.
6 peeled tomatillos – These give the sauce its signature tangy flavor and vibrant color.
2 seeded poblano peppers – They add a mild heat and a complex depth to the pipian.
1 seeded serrano pepper – For those who love a little extra kick, this pepper provides just that.
2 garlic cloves – A must-have for any savory dish, garlic enhances all the other flavors.
1 teaspoon cumin seeds – Toasting these seeds releases their warm, earthy aroma, which is essential for the dish.
1 teaspoon peppercorns – Freshly ground pepper adds a layer of spice and flavor.
½ cup sesame seeds – They add a nutty richness that balances the acidity of the tomatillos.
¾ cup pepitas – These pumpkin seeds provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
¾ cup peanuts – Adding creaminess to the sauce while balancing out the heat.
4 romaine lettuce leaves – These provide a fresh, crisp element to the dish.
½ cup radish greens – Adds a peppery bite and is a great way to use every part of the plant.
1 cup cilantro leaves and stems – A staple in Mexican cuisine, it adds brightness and freshness.
2 epazote leaves – Optional, but they bring a unique flavor often found in traditional Mexican cooking.
Coarse sea salt and fresh cracked pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavors of the dish.

Recipe Steps for Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken

Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this stunning dish. Cooking should be a joyful experience, and these steps will guide you smoothly through the process. Remember, the key is to enjoy the journey of creating Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken as much as the final outcome!

Start by seasoning the chicken on all sides with coarse sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. This step is crucial as it builds a flavor base right from the start. You want to ensure that each bite of chicken is seasoned well.
In a rondeau pot, heat avocado oil over high heat until it smokes lightly. This is the perfect temperature for searing. Once hot, place the chicken skin-side down and reduce the heat to medium-high. Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until both sides are beautifully browned. You want a nice golden color for rich flavor.
Set the seared chicken aside on a plate. Here, you can enjoy the lovely aroma that fills your kitchen. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add in a peeled yellow onion cut into wedges, roughly chopped carrots, roughly chopped ribs of celery, and a couple of garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. This step is optional but adds more depth to the dish.
Next, pour in the chicken stock and season generously with more salt and pepper. Return the chicken to the braising liquid, cover the pot, and let it cook over medium heat for one hour. You want the chicken to become tender and flavorful during this time.
While the chicken is braising, prepare your vegetables. On a sheet tray lined with parchment paper, spread out the remaining onion, poblano peppers, serrano pepper, garlic cloves, and tomatillos. Drizzle with more avocado oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast these in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and tender.
In the meantime, toast the cumin seeds and peppercorns in a dry pan over low to medium heat. Stir frequently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are aromatic. This step enhances their flavors, which will be key in your sauce.
Do the same for the sesame seeds, toasting them for another 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned. After that, repeat the process for the pepitas and then the peanuts. Once toasted, transfer everything to a mortar or bowl.
Using a pestle, finely grind all the toasted spices, seeds, and nuts until they form a coarse paste. This grinding process is where you’ll release all those amazing flavors. It’s a labor of love, but so worth it!
In a blender, combine the roasted vegetables, the ground spices, and the leaves of romaine lettuce, radish greens, cilantro, and optional epazote. Pour in two cups of the chicken stock from the braising pot and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
Transfer this vibrant mixture to a large rondeau pan, then taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed. It should be a perfect balance of flavors.
Finally, remove the chicken from the braising liquid and place it into the pan with the pipian sauce. Cook on low heat for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to infuse into the chicken. This will elevate the entire dish!
When ready to serve, you can garnish with optional pepitas and chopped fresh cilantro. This adds a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of freshness to your plate. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Understanding the Ingredients: Each ingredient in Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken plays a specific role in flavor and texture. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and depth.
Avoiding Overcooking: When braising, ensure the heat is managed well to prevent the chicken from drying out. A low and slow approach is best.
Balancing Flavors: Taste your pipian sauce throughout the cooking process to achieve the perfect balance of acidity and heat.
Storage Tips: Always allow the dish to cool before refrigerating. It will last for 5 days in the fridge and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Ways to Customize

Every recipe is a starting point, and Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken is no different. Here are some creative ways to make it your own!

Add More Spice: If you love a kick, consider adding more serrano peppers or even a habanero for extra heat.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Use Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts like almonds or cashews in the pipian for diverse flavors.
Garnish Variations: Consider topping your dish with crumbled cheese or additional fresh herbs for a delightful finish.
Serving Suggestions: Pair the pipian with rice, quinoa, or tortillas for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the pipian sauce a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.

Great Combinations for Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken

This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a versatile centerpiece for various occasions. Here are some wonderful ways to serve Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken:

Family Dinners: This dish is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, bringing everyone together around the table.
Special Celebrations: Serve it during holidays or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with something extraordinary.
Pairing with Sides: Complement the flavors with traditional sides such as Mexican rice or refried beans, which perfectly balance the richness of the pipian.
Casual Gatherings: It’s an excellent choice for potlucks or casual gatherings, where the vibrant flavors can be a conversation starter.
Seasonal Variations: Adapt the recipe based on seasonal produce. Fresh summer corn or winter squash can add a delightful twist.
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well, making it easy to prepare in bulk for future meals. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

Pipian Verde is a traditional Mexican sauce made primarily from roasted tomatillos, peppers, and various nuts and seeds. It’s known for its vibrant green color and rich flavor, which comes from a combination of ingredients that are blended together to create a smooth, thick sauce. This sauce can be used in various dishes, most famously with chicken, giving it a unique taste that highlights the fresh ingredients used. The sauce is versatile, and it can also be used in vegetarian cooking, making it a favorite in many households.

Absolutely! One of the best things about Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken is that it can be made up to a day in advance. Simply prepare the dish as instructed, allow it to cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve it, just reheat the chicken and sauce gently on the stove. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

The spiciness of Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken can be adjusted to your preference. The primary heat comes from the serrano pepper, which can be increased or decreased based on how spicy you like your food. If you enjoy a kick, feel free to add more serrano or even introduce a spicier pepper like a habanero. Conversely, if you prefer milder flavors, simply omit the serrano pepper or reduce the amount used. It’s all about personal taste!

Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides. Traditional choices include Mexican rice or warm tortillas, which help to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with fresh salad greens, refried beans, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a versatile dish that allows you to get creative with your sides, making each meal unique and satisfying.

Conclusion

Pipian Verde Recipe with Chicken is truly a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and joy to any table. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, green sauce made from roasted vegetables and nuts creates a dish that is both comforting and memorable. I encourage you to try making this recipe and experience the vibrant tastes of Mexico in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also your heart with its inviting aromas and flavors. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!