Easy Braised Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos: A Flavorful Weeknight Recipe
Get ready to discover your new favorite chicken tacos! This incredibly flavorful and simple dish has quickly become a staple in our household, joining the ranks of our most cherished weeknight dinner options. It’s not just easy to prepare; it requires only a handful of readily available ingredients and transforms into spectacular leftovers, making meal planning a breeze. These braised salsa verde chicken tacos offer a perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken, vibrant tomatillo flavor, and a satisfying kick, all wrapped in a warm, charred tortilla.
The Unexpected Journey to Our Favorite Taco Recipe
The culinary journey for these amazing tacos began during a delightful road trip to Saugatuck, Michigan, last autumn. Saugatuck is a truly picturesque town nestled alongside the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, boasting one of the most charming main streets I’ve ever had the pleasure of exploring. Its quaint shops and scenic views make it a perfect getaway destination. During our visit, we stumbled upon an American Spoon storefront – a remarkable Michigan-based company renowned for its exquisite fruit preserves and gourmet condiments. As any food enthusiast would, I spent a considerable amount of time (and money!) happily stocking up on an array of their delicious jams, jellies, and savory preserves. The shelves were bursting with unique flavors, and it was an indulgence well worth it!
While checking out, I impulsively grabbed one of their complimentary recipe pamphlets from the register, almost as an afterthought, tucking it into my shopping bag. I often find cooking inspiration in the most unexpected places – from restaurant menus to obscure cookbooks – and I thought this little booklet might offer some fresh ideas for the jar of pumpkin seed salsa I had just acquired. Fast forward a couple of hours into our drive home to Chicago, and my partner, Connor, and I were deeply engrossed in brainstorming dinner ideas for the evening. We were craving something comforting yet exciting. As I idly flipped through the pages of the newly acquired recipe booklet, a particular recipe immediately caught my eye: chicken tacos with salsa verde. It was an instant connection, a true “aha!” moment, and our dinner dilemma was deliciously solved!
Crafting the Perfect Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos: Our Adapted Recipe
Since that serendipitous discovery, we’ve prepared our slightly adapted version of these sensational salsa verde chicken tacos countless times. Through extensive experimentation, I’ve refined the ingredient quantities, thoughtfully streamlined the cooking process, and experimented with various toppings to enhance their overall flavor and appeal. The result is a simple, yet profoundly delicious recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a vibrant, zesty salsa verde. What’s more, this taco filling stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making it an ideal candidate for efficient meal prepping. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat for a quick, wholesome, and satisfying dinner on a busy evening.
The core principle behind these delightful tacos is remarkably straightforward. We begin by lightly searing bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Searing is a crucial step as it helps to lock in moisture and develop a rich, golden-brown crust on the chicken skin, adding an extra layer of savory depth to the final dish. These chicken thighs are then braised for approximately 35 to 40 minutes in a luscious broth made from low-sodium chicken stock and your chosen salsa verde, allowing them to become incredibly fork-tender and infused with flavor. It’s crucial not to rush this braising step; dark meat, like chicken thighs, truly benefits from adequate cooking time to achieve that desirable melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The best part? This essential braising stage is mostly hands-off, providing you with ample time to prepare other elements of your meal or simply relax while the flavors develop.
Towards the end of the braising process, we introduce thinly sliced yellow or white onions and vibrant poblano peppers directly to the pan. These vegetables soften beautifully and meld seamlessly with the rich braising liquid, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the salsa verde and the savory chicken drippings. Poblano peppers, known for their mild, earthy heat, complement the tangy tomatillo-based salsa verde perfectly, without ever being overwhelmingly spicy. The entire cooking process is thoughtfully designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, yet it consistently yields exquisitely tender, extra juicy salsa verde chicken that is both hearty and healthy, boasting a perfect balance of savory notes and a subtle, pleasant kick of heat.
The Secret Weapon: High-Quality Store-Bought Salsa Verde
One of the brilliant shortcuts that makes this recipe so accessible and quick to prepare is the smart use of high-quality store-bought salsa verde as the primary cooking liquid. This versatile and flavorful condiment, often conveniently labeled as roasted tomatillo salsa, is an absolute pantry staple for me. I rarely go a day without having an extra jar on hand, always ready to elevate any meal with its vibrant, zesty essence. For this particular recipe, I highly recommend Rick Bayless’sFronterabrand, which is renowned for its authentic flavor profile and excellent quality. However, many other excellent options exist, such as Trader Joe’s comparable offering, or any other high-quality jarred salsa verde that you personally prefer. The key is to choose a brand with a vibrant, fresh flavor and a medium heat level to best complement the rich chicken filling.
Of course, for those who enjoy a more ambitious culinary project and have the time, making your tomatillo salsa from scratch is always a fantastic option. Homemade salsa verde can indeed add an unparalleled freshness and depth of flavor to the dish. However, rest assured that a good quality jarred version will still deliver an outstanding and deeply satisfying result, ensuring that these delectable tacos are achievable even on the busiest of evenings. The convenience of a ready-to-use salsa means you can whip up this incredible meal with minimal fuss.
Elevating Your Tacos with the Perfect Toppings
While the original recipe suggested using crumbled queso fresco, I’ve discovered a topping that I absolutely adore and firmly believe elevates these tacos even further: crumbled feta cheese. Feta is not only significantly easier to source at virtually any grocery store, making it a convenient choice, but its distinct salty and briny profile provides a wonderfully vibrant contrast to the rich, savory chicken filling. It introduces a tangy zest that I personally find far more compelling than the milder queso fresco, bringing an extra layer of complexity and bright flavor to each and every bite. The savory depth of the chicken truly sings when paired with the sharp, creamy notes of feta.
Beyond the feta, if I happen to have perfectly ripe avocados available, I love to add generous chunks or thinly sliced pieces right before serving. The luscious, creamy texture of avocado beautifully complements the tender chicken and tangy salsa, adding a luxurious mouthfeel. But let me be clear: these tacos are so inherently flavorful and satisfying that they truly stand on their own even without avocado (and yes, I just said that!). For an essential textural crunch and a touch of peppery freshness that brightens the entire dish, thinly sliced baby radishes are a non-negotiable addition. Their crispness and subtle, refreshing bite provide an excellent counterpoint to the soft chicken and tortillas.
And now, for a final, but absolutely crucial, piece of advice that will undeniably transform your homemade taco experience: always char your tortillas! Whether you’re using traditional soft corn tortillas or a convenient corn-wheat blend, briefly heating them directly over a gas flame (or, if you don’t have a gas stove, in a dry hot skillet) until they are lightly blistered and charred on both sides imparts an incredible depth of flavor and a wonderfully pliable texture. This simple yet effective step adds a smoky, slightly nutty essence that truly cannot be beaten in any homemade taco situation, making them more authentic and delicious.
For those who prefer a meatless option, don’t miss out on our equally delicious vegetarian breakfast tacos, another long-standing favorite that proves tacos can be enjoyed any time of day!
Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
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Ingredients
For the Salsa Verde Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or grapeseed or canola oil)
- 1½ lbs (4 to 5) bone-in chicken thighs with skin
- kosher salt (to taste)
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups (480 mL) low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 mL) medium-heat store-bought or homemade roasted tomatillo salsa/salsa verde
- 1 large yellow or white onion (cut into ¼-inch slices)
- 2 poblano peppers (sliced lengthwise, de-seeded, and cut into ¼-inch strips)
- small handful of torn fresh cilantro leaves
- 8 small soft corn tortillas (or corn-wheat combination or flour tortillas)
Recommended Toppings:
- 4-5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 3-4 baby radishes (trimmed and thinly sliced)
- ripe avocado chunks or slices
- fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
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Prepare the Salsa Verde Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil (or your chosen cooking oil) in a large skillet, preferably with straight sides, over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the skin turns beautifully golden brown and crispy. If necessary, sear in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Flip the thighs, then carefully pour in the chicken broth and salsa verde. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and braise the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
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Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a large plate or bowl. Increase the heat under the skillet and bring the remaining braising liquid to a low boil. Add the sliced onion and poblano pepper to the pan and cook, stirring every few minutes, for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will soften considerably, and the liquid will reduce by about half, concentrating its flavors. While the vegetables are cooking, use two forks to shred the tender chicken thighs into small, bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones and skin. Reduce the heat under the skillet to low, then return the shredded chicken to the pan with the softened vegetables. Stir the mixture gently until everything is well combined and coated in the rich sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then stir in the torn fresh cilantro leaves. Keep the filling warm over very low heat while you prepare your tortillas and gather the toppings.
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Char and Warm the Tortillas: To prepare your tortillas, line a large plate or bowl with a clean kitchen linen or towel to keep them warm. Turn your gas burner to medium heat. For efficiency, you can use two burners at once, or simply char one tortilla at a time. Place a tortilla directly over the open flame and heat for 15 to 25 seconds per side, flipping with tongs, until each side is lightly charred and softened. As each tortilla is done, transfer it to the prepared kitchen linen and cover to maintain warmth and pliability.
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Assemble Your Tacos: To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the warm salsa verde chicken mixture into each charred tortilla. Crown with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and several thinly sliced radishes for crunch. Finish with extra fresh cilantro leaves and a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce, if you desire an additional layer of heat. Serve these delicious tacos immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- **Make Ahead Magic:** The flavorful salsa verde chicken filling can be prepared entirely in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, making it perfect for efficient meal prep. To serve, simply reheat the filling gently over low heat in a large skillet, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This makes busy weeknights even easier!
- **Choosing Your Salsa:** For the best results, I recommend using quality store-bought brands like Frontera or 365 brand roasted tomatillo salsa. However, any high-quality jarred salsa verde or a freshly made homemade version will deliver excellent flavor. Look for a medium heat level for a balanced taste.
- **Tortilla Perfection:** Don’t skip charring the tortillas! This simple step adds incredible flavor depth and improves their texture, making them more pliable and resistant to tearing.
Inspired by and slightly adapted from a recipe discovered at American Spoon.