Perfectly grilled smoky chipotle chicken, complemented by a delightful chunky sauce made with pistachios, avocado, lemon, and chives! This is absolutely amazing!
What’s So Fun About Chunky Sauce?
I often prepare smooth, blended green sauces – but this one brings a completely different vibe. Spoonable, chunky, and delightful. It’s precisely what my smoky grilled chicken needed.
The blend of avocado, pistachio, chives, and lemon resembles a mix of guacamole, gremolata, and a fresh touch of spring, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Some of you might glance at the ingredients for the sauce and think it needs lime, but I encourage you to try lemon. The lemon paired with the chives and the roasted pistachios… it’s fresh and distinctive. I really want you to enjoy this.
My favorite pairings:
If you’d like to tone down the spice, opt for smoked paprika instead of chipotle! This gives you the smoky flavor without the heat. Amazing.
I truly hope you enjoy this!
If you’re planning meals, be sure to check out my list of favorite easy dinners!
Chipotle Chicken with Chunky Pistachio Sauce
Total Time:
30 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
Perfectly grilled smoky chipotle chicken, complemented by a delightful chunky sauce made with pistachios, avocado, lemon, and chives! This is absolutely amazing!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chipotle Chicken:
Sauce:
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Remove any excess fat from the chicken thighs, if desired. Toss the chicken with spices and olive oil until well-coated.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet or grill pan (affiliate link), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Grill or sauté the chicken, flipping once, until both sides are browned and it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. (Refer to notes for other cooking options.)
- Make the Sauce: While cooking the chicken, use a mini-chopper (affiliate link) or food processor to pulse pistachios, cilantro, and chives until finely chopped.
- Finish Sauce: In a bowl, combine avocado chunks, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and salt. Mix until it reaches a thick and chunky consistency, irresistible!
- Serve: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easier bowl assembly! Season with salt and top with the chunky pistachio sauce. This dish is fantastic with rice and salad. The flavors are incredible!
Notes
Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be substituted in this recipe!
If chipotle powder isn’t available, chop or mash a chipotle pepper from a can and include it with the chicken and taco seasoning! Alternatively, using 2-3 teaspoons of the adobo sauce from the can works wonderfully!
This is the grill pan I utilize! (affiliate link) You could also grill the chicken or air fryer it for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees.
The desired saltiness for the chicken depends on the taco seasoning used, as they vary in salt content. It’s best to season after cooking to avoid over-salting! However, if your taco seasoning has no salt, consider adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in step 1 with the spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Keywords: chipotle chicken, chicken bowls, avocado, pistachio, burrito bowl
Common Inquiries
Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?
Absolutely! They work perfectly.
Could fish substitute chicken?
Indeed, this would be delightful with salmon or shrimp! For shrimp, use fewer spices overall (due to less surface area) – just enough to coat.
Is there an alternative nut to pistachios?
Toasted pine nuts could be a great choice. Finely crushed almonds might also work well!
How should chicken be cooked without a grill pan?
You can grill the chicken on a traditional grill, sear it in a hot pan, or air fry it for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees. If you’re considering a grill pan, I recommend this one! (affiliate link)
What vegetables could be added?
You can toss any vegetable into the grill pan for a minute after the chicken! Or you can make air-fried broccoli, simple green salads, or grab a bagged salad.
More Delectable Chicken Bowls
**Spicy Chipotle Chicken with a Chunky Pistachio Sauce: A Bold Fusion of Flavor and Texture**
If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests with a dish that combines bold heat, smoky undertones, and a rich nutty finish, look no further than Spicy Chipotle Chicken with a Chunky Pistachio Sauce. This dish is a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures—spicy, smoky chicken paired with a creamy yet crunchy pistachio sauce that adds depth and sophistication to every bite.
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### The Inspiration Behind the Dish
This recipe draws inspiration from Latin American and Mediterranean cuisines. Chipotle peppers, a staple in Mexican cooking, bring a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats. Pistachios, often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, offer a unique nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. When combined, these ingredients create a fusion dish that is both comforting and exotic.
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### Ingredients Overview
#### For the Spicy Chipotle Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### For the Chunky Pistachio Sauce:
– ½ cup shelled, unsalted pistachios (lightly toasted)
– ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 small garlic clove, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan for added richness
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### Preparation Steps
#### 1. Marinate the Chicken
In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend into a smooth marinade. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
#### 2. Cook the Chicken
Grill, pan-sear, or roast the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking methods like grilling enhance the smoky flavor, while pan-searing gives a delicious crust.
#### 3. Prepare the Chunky Pistachio Sauce
In a food processor, pulse the toasted pistachios until coarsely chopped. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and optional Parmesan. Pulse a few more times to combine, leaving some texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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### Serving Suggestions
Plate the spicy chipotle chicken and generously spoon the chunky pistachio sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with:
– Roasted vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers)
– A side of couscous, quinoa, or rice
– Warm flatbread or naan
– A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette
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### Nutritional Highlights
This dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious:
– **Protein-rich**: Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety.
– **Healthy fats**: Pistachios and olive oil offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
– **Antioxidants**: Chipotle peppers and pistachios are rich in antioxidants that support overall health.
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### Customization Tips
– **Vegetarian Option**: Swap chicken for grilled tofu, portobello mushrooms, or roasted cauliflower.
– **Heat Level**: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spiciness.
– **Dairy-Free**: Use a plant-based yogurt alternative in the pistachio sauce.
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### Final Thoughts
Spicy Chipotle Chicken with a Chunky Pistachio Sauce is a dish that delivers on all fronts—flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this bold and satisfying fusion again and again.