Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Tomatillo and Cilantro Sauce
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a bright, tangy sauce made from roasted tomatillos, garlic, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant Mexican-inspired dinner. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends divided olive oil, medium, husked and quartered tomatillos, large, peeled garlic cloves 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
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 6 medium, husked and quartered tomatillos
- 3 large, peeled garlic cloves
- 1 medium, stem removed jalapeño pepper
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 6 medium quartered tomatillos, 3 peeled garlic cloves, and 1 medium stem-removed jalapeño pepper with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until tomatillos are soft and lightly browned.
- Step 2: While vegetables roast, season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sauté for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken and tent with foil.
- Step 4: Transfer roasted tomatillos, garlic, and jalapeño to a blender. Add 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Step 5: Return sauce to the skillet over medium heat and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant. Pour sauce over chicken breasts and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Tomatillo and Cilantro Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Tomatillo and Cilantro Sauce?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Tomatillo and Cilantro Sauce?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Tomatillo and Cilantro Sauce 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 Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Tomatillo and Cilantro Sauce?
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.
