Green Tomato and Cilantro Jocón with Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Guatemalan stew of shredded chicken simmered in a tangy, herb-packed green tomato and cilantro sauce. This Latin American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, tomatillos, husked and quartered, fresh cilantro leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 5 husked and quartered medium tomatillos, 2 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves, 4 chopped green onions, 3 whole garlic cloves, and 1 seeded chopped jalapeño pepper into a blender. Add 1 cup of chicken broth and blend until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the green sauce into the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, and cook for 15 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and shred with forks.
  4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce, along with the remaining 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve the jocón hot over 4 cups cooked white rice, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Green Tomato and Cilantro Jocón with Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Green Tomato and Cilantro Jocón with Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh cilantro leaves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Green Tomato and Cilantro Jocón with Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Green Tomato and Cilantro Jocón with Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Green Tomato and Cilantro Jocón with Chicken?

Latin American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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