Sautéed Tomatillo and Chicken Stir Fry with Garlic and Cilantro

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

Tender chicken breast pieces quickly sautéed with tangy tomatillos, garlic, and fresh cilantro for a bright and savory stir fry with Mexican-inspired flavors. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breast, medium tomatillos, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Husk and rinse 6 medium tomatillos, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Peel and mince 4 garlic cloves. Dice 1/2 medium white onion. Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken cubes, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken, cooking for 2-3 minutes until onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped tomatillos and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until tomatillos soften and release their tangy juice, coating the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, mixing gently. Serve hot with rice or warm tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Tomatillo and Chicken Stir Fry with Garlic and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Tomatillo and Chicken Stir Fry with Garlic and Cilantro?

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 medium tomatillos from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Tomatillo and Chicken Stir Fry with Garlic and Cilantro?

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 Tomatillo and Chicken Stir Fry with Garlic and Cilantro 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 Tomatillo and Chicken Stir Fry with Garlic and Cilantro?

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.

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