Editorial sample recipeMexicanintermediategluten-freehalalhigh-protein

Mexican Pumpkin Seed Pipian Verde Chicken

Name: Mexican Pumpkin Seed Pipian Verde Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs halal skinless boneless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat; 1 cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds, pepitas; 8 oz fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed; 1 piece poblano pepper, seeded and quartered; 1 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed; 3 cloves garlic, peeled; 1.5 cups low-sodium halal chicken broth; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, nutty green pipian sauce made from toasted pepitas, roasted poblano, and fresh tomatillos.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min

Technique to learn

Emulsion blending

Combining oil-rich seeds with warm liquids in a blender to create a silky, naturally thickened sauce without flour or cornstarch.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and toast the raw pumpkin seeds until lightly browned and puffed, then transfer them to a plate.
Step 2: Set the poblano pepper, tomatillos, and garlic in the same dry skillet over medium-high heat, charring them until skin blackens in spots, about 8 minutes.

Step 3: Transfer the charred vegetables, toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh cilantro, and chicken broth to a blender, processing until completely smooth.

Step 4: Season the chicken thighs lightly with salt, heat the remaining oil in a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side.

Step 5: Pour the blended green pipian sauce over the seared chicken, turn the heat to medium-low, and simmer gently covered for 15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 Fahrenheit (74 Celsius).

Step 6: Stir sauce to redistribute before serving hot alongside warm rice or warm corn tortillas.

Cooking tips

Watch the pumpkin seeds closely while dry-toasting; they can scorch quickly once they start popping.
If the green sauce gets too thick while simmering, stir in an extra tablespoon of warm chicken broth to restore texture.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Mexican; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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