Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce recipe features tender, spiced boneless chicken thighs grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy, zesty pistachio, avocado, and herb sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal served alongside rice and salad, this dish balances smoky chipotle heat with the rich, fresh flavors of lemon, cilantro, and chives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
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 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chunky Pistachio Sauce
- 1 large firm avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachios
- 1/2 cup packed cilantro
- 0.5 oz (a full package) chives
- 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. Toss the chicken with the taco seasoning, chipotle powder, and olive oil to coat evenly with the spices.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill or sauté the chicken, flipping once, until both sides are nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, pulse the pistachios, cilantro, and chives in a mini chopper or food processor until finely chopped but still chunky.
- Finish Sauce: Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl. Add the diced avocado, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and salt. Stir gently to combine, creating a thick, chunky sauce that’s slightly creamy and bright.
- Serve: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and plating. Season with additional salt if needed. Spoon the chunky pistachio sauce over the chicken. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chipotle powder is quite spicy; substitute with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
- Chicken can be grilled on an outdoor grill or cooked in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes if you prefer not to use a skillet.
- To keep the avocado sauce fresh, prepare it shortly before serving to prevent browning.
- The pistachios add crunch and depth, but for a nut-free option, you could experiment with pumpkin seeds or omit entirely.
Keywords: chipotle chicken, pistachio sauce, avocado sauce, taco seasoning, grilled chicken, dinner bowl, smoky chicken, easy weeknight dinner
