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Pioneer Woman Green Chili Chicken

Pioneer Woman Green Chili Chicken - recipe card
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This hearty, comforting dish features tender, shredded chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce of roasted green chiles, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. Finished with a blanket of melted cheese and a crispy, golden top, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner served over rice, with tortillas, or as a filling for tacos and burritos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles, undrained
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • For serving: fresh cilantro, chopped, and lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until the oil shimmers. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and softens.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and dried oregano. Place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden, to develop flavor. The chicken will not be fully cooked through at this point.
  4. Pour in the diced green chiles (with their liquid) and the chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken gently poach for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
  6. Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
  7. While the chicken rests, increase the heat to medium and let the sauce in the skillet simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and reduced by about a third, allowing the flavors to concentrate. Stir occasionally.
  8. Turn the heat to low. Whisk in the room-temperature sour cream, stirring until completely smooth and incorporated. Then, stir in ¾ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese and all of the sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy and homogenous.
  9. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to coat every piece in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
  10. Preheat the broiler to high and position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
  11. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. Remove from the oven carefully.
  12. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to settle and thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges, if desired.

Notes

Storage: This dish will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, keep the topping crisp by storing before broiling if possible, or reheat gently. To retain creaminess, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts at medium power. Freezing: The green chili chicken freezes well without the melted cheese topping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and broil with fresh cheese as directed.

Nutrition

Keywords: green chili chicken, Pioneer Woman, green chile chicken, creamy green chili chicken, shredded chicken, Mexican chicken, weeknight dinner, casserole, stovetop chicken, green chile sauce

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-green-chili-chicken/