Grilled Chicken Asada with Charred Salsa Verde
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in smoky spices served with a vibrant homemade charred salsa verde inspired by popular plates in Olathe, KS. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 medium tomatillos
- 1 whole jalapeño pepper
- 1 small white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly, then cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: While the chicken marinates, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place 8 medium tomatillos, 1 whole jalapeño pepper, and 1 small white onion (quartered) directly on the grill grates. Grill, turning occasionally, until they are charred and softened, about 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer the grilled tomatillos, jalapeño, and onion to a blender. Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky, adjusting salt to taste.
- Step 4: Grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges develop a nice char.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken thighs topped with the charred salsa verde alongside steamed rice or warm tortillas for a satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chicken Asada with Charred Salsa Verde take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken Asada with Charred Salsa Verde?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken Asada with Charred Salsa Verde?
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 Grilled Chicken Asada with Charred Salsa Verde 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 Grilled Chicken Asada with Charred Salsa Verde?
Mexican 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.
