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Chipotle chicken with chunky pistachio sauce and avocado served with rice and fresh salad

Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce and Avocado

Chipotle chicken with chunky pistachio sauce combines smoky seasoned chicken with a fresh, textured avocado and pistachio topping. This quick, flavorful dish is a great choice for an easy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 348
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 1/2 – 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chunky Pistachio Sauce
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachios
  • 1/2 cup packed cilantro
  • a small bundle of chives (.5 oz)
  • juice and zest of one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs if desired. Coat the chicken with the taco seasoning, chipotle powder, and olive oil until evenly seasoned.
Cooking
  1. Warm the olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken, turning once, until browned on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Topping
  1. While the chicken cooks, pulse the pistachios, cilantro, and chives in a mini-chopper or food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Combine the chopped pistachio mixture with the avocado, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and salt. Stir until the topping is thick and textured.
Serving
  1. Cut the cooked chicken into pieces, season with salt as needed, and top with spoonfuls of the chunky pistachio sauce.

Notes

Boneless skinless chicken breasts can also be used in this recipe. If chipotle powder is unavailable, use one minced or smashed chipotle pepper from a can with the chicken and taco seasoning, or add 2-3 teaspoons of adobo sauce. The chicken can also be grilled or air fried for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (191°C). Since taco seasoning salt levels vary, taste the chicken after cooking before adding more salt; if the seasoning contains no salt, add 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon with the dry spices in the first step.