Chicken Chili Verde
2 pounds tomatillos, husked and cut in half (quarters if large)
1 large poblano or pasilla chili, cut in half lengthwise seeds removed
1 to 2 jalapeños cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed
1 medium white onion peeled and cut into eights
4 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
I bunch of Cilantro
2 cups chicken stock
6 skin on, bone in chicken thighs
Flour
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Olive oil
Garnish
Cilantro
Cotija cheese, crumbled
Pickled Radishes (recipe below)
Pickled Radishes
1 bunch radishes, sliced 1/8 inch thin
2 limes
Salt
In a small bowl, mix the sliced radishes with the juice of the two limes. Season with salt and set aside for about 30 minutes.
Place the tomatillos, poblano, jalapeño, onion and garlic on a half sheet pan, drizzle with the olive oil and salt, toss to coat. Place into the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and charred. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
Add the vegetables and any juices into the work bowl of a food processor then add in the cilantro leaves and pulse to combine. Once combined, check on the consistency of your chili verde. If it is too thick (holds its shape when dolloped onto a plate) then you will want to add in some chicken stock. Set aside.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper then very lightly dust with flour. Preheat a pan large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer inside the oven. Once preheated, pull it onto the shelf and add in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil followed by the chicken thighs skin side up. Slide the pan back into the oven and lightly brown the chicken, rotating the pan once so each side gets even exposure to the flame. This should take around 6 to 8 minutes.
Once the chicken is browned, pour the chili verde into the pan until it covers about ¾ up the side of the chicken. Cover with foil and place into the oven. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the internal temperature of the breast is at least 155 degrees. Uncover and cook for 10 more minutes to reduce the sauce.
Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Serve, passing garnishes separately.
