Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce is a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs seasoned with smoky chipotle and taco spices, paired with a fresh, chunky pistachio, avocado, and herb sauce. Perfect for a satisfying meal served over rice or salad, it combines smoky, spicy, and nutty flavors in a simple skillet-cooked recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 1/2 – 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (Siete Mild Taco Seasoning recommended)
- 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder (or substitute 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for less heat)
- 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 leaves
- A small bundle of chives (about 0.5 oz, a full package)
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs if desired. In a bowl, toss the chicken with the taco seasoning, chipotle powder, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Saute or grill the chicken thighs, flipping once, until they develop a nice brown crust on both sides and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, use a mini chopper or food processor to pulse the pistachios, cilantro, and chives until they are finely chopped but still chunky.
- Finish Sauce: Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl and add the diced avocado, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and kosher salt. Stir gently to combine into a thick, chunky, flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easier eating. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Spoon the chunky pistachio sauce over the chicken. Serve alongside rice and a fresh salad to enjoy the full range of flavors.
Notes
- Chipotle powder is spicy; substitute smoked paprika for less heat.
- You can trim chicken thigh fat to preference, but some fat adds flavor and moisture.
- A skillet or grill pan works well for cooking the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Use a mini chopper or food processor to achieve the right texture for the pistachio sauce.
- Serve with rice and salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: chipotle chicken, pistachio sauce, avocado sauce, taco seasoning, quick dinner, gluten free, Mexican flavors, skillet chicken
