Green Chile Chicken
A flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips simmered in a mild green chile salsa, accented with onions and garlic. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it pairs beautifully with rice or tortillas and can be topped with sour cream for added richness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) jar Ortega mild thick and chunky salsa
- 1 (4 oz.) can Ortega diced green chiles ⓘ
- hot cooked rice or flour tortillas ⓘ
- dairy sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, over medium-high heat, cook chicken, onion, and garlic in oil until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Add salsa, diced green chiles, and oregano to the skillet.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- Serve over rice or in tortillas.
- Top with sour cream, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bit more heat, consider using hot salsa or adding jalapeños to the dish. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the raw chicken breasts. You can also swap out the green chiles for diced bell peppers if you prefer a milder flavor. This dish is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your taste. For more ideas, check out our Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Green Chile Chicken over a bed of hot cooked rice or wrapped in warm flour tortillas for a satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican Tossed Salad for a refreshing crunch. You can also top it with dairy sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado for added flavor and texture. This dish makes for a great center piece at any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Chile Chicken contains roughly 99 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming tough. If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but for the best texture and flavor, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I do if I don't have green chiles?
If you don't have green chiles, you can substitute with diced bell peppers for a milder taste or even use canned diced tomatoes with green chiles for added flavor. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with a mixture of your favorite beans, such as black beans or pinto beans. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture. This adaptation not only makes it suitable for vegetarians but is also a great way to enjoy a hearty, meatless meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).