Skillet Chicken in Chipotle Tomato Sauce Recipe

This delicious skillet chicken in tomato chipotle sauce with avocado crema recipe is a delightful mix of natural flavors that will tickle your taste buds. The blend of tender chicken, spicy chipotle, and creamy avocado makes this dish a hit with adults and kids alike. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Photos of Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce With Avocado Crema Recipe

Some ingredients like chipotle pepper in adobo may not be readily available in your pantry. You can find this in the international aisle of most supermarkets or in Latin American grocery stores. The distinct smoky flavor of chipotle peppers enhances the taste of the tomato sauce and complements the chicken well. Also, make sure to get a ripe avocado for the crema; it should be soft but not squishy.

Ingredients for Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce with Avocado Crema

Chicken breasts: The main protein in this dish, chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly.

Onion: Adds a depth of flavor to the tomato sauce.

Garlic: Provides a robust flavor to both the chicken and the avocado crema.

Tomato sauce: Forms the base for the chipotle sauce.

Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.

Chipotle pepper in adobo: Gives the sauce a smoky, spicy flavor.

Lime: Adds a tangy freshness to the dish.

Cilantro: A fresh herb that complements the flavors and adds a pop of color.

Sour cream: Provides a creamy base for the avocado crema.

Avocado: The star of the crema, avocado adds a creamy, fresh flavor.

Jalapeno pepper: Adds a touch of heat to the avocado crema.

One reader, Conant Wertz says:

This skillet chicken in tomato chipotle sauce with avocado crema recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, and the avocado crema adds a refreshing touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, easy-to-make meal.

Conant Wertz

Cooking Techniques for Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce

How to pound chicken breasts: Place the chicken breast halves between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or parchment and lightly pound to even thickness.

How to brown chicken: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with olive oil spray, add chicken breasts, and brown each side for 2 minutes each.

How to sauté onions: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onions, and sauté for about 3 minutes or until tender.

How to make avocado sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a small blender and process until smooth and uniform in color.

How To Make Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce With Avocado Crema

Cook a filling dinner with this skillet chicken that comes with a spicy tomato sauce complemented with a refreshing avocado and cilantro cream.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbchicken breasts,(2 pieces), boneless, skinless, halved
¾tspkosher salt
½tspcumin
freshly ground black pepper,to taste
olive oil spray
1tspolive oil
½small onion,sliced
2clovesgarlic,minced
½cuptomato sauce
½cuplow sodium chicken broth
1tbspchipotle pepper in adobo
½lime,juiced
2tbspchopped cilantro

For Avocado Sauce:

¼cuplow fat sour cream
1ozavocado
2tbspfresh cilantro leaves
½small jalapeno pepper,seeds and membrane removed
1clovegarlic,small
1tbsplime juice
⅛tspkosher salt
freshly ground pepper,to taste
1tbspwater,as needed

Instructions

Place the chicken breast halves between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or parchment and lightly pound to even thickness. Season both sides with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Heat large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with olive oil spray, add chicken breasts, and brown each side for 2 minutes each. Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a plate.
Reduce heat to medium, add oil and onions and sauté, scraping brown bits with a wooden spoon, for about 3 minutes or until onions are tender. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more.
Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, ½ teaspoon salt, cumin, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce, stir and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low, return chicken to pan, cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes more or until chicken is cooked through. Add lime juice.
Meanwhile, to make the avocado sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a small blender and process until smooth and uniform in color.
To serve, top each chicken breast half with tomato sauce mixture, avocado sauce, and garnish with cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 310.17kcal
Fat: 19.61g
Saturated Fat: 5.29g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.87g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.13g
Carbohydrates: 7.61g
Fiber: 1.85g
Sugar: 1.97g
Protein: 26.32g
Cholesterol: 77.61mg
Sodium: 544.48mg
Calcium: 58.44mg
Potassium: 501.67mg
Iron: 1.73mg
Vitamin A: 69.07µg
Vitamin C: 11.22mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Skillet Chicken with Avocado Crema

When pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, it's important to do so gently to avoid tearing the meat. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, apply pressure evenly across the surface of the chicken. This not only ensures even cooking, but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Skillet Chicken with Avocado Crema

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to enhance the flavor and reduce prep time on the day of cooking.

Multitask: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the avocado crema and gather the garnishes to save time.

Use pre-made sauce: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought tomato chipotle sauce instead of making it from scratch.

One-pan cooking: Use the same skillet for cooking the chicken and making the sauce to minimize cleanup and save time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze the extra portions for a quick and convenient meal on a busy day.

Sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken breasts evenly, which will help them cook faster and more evenly.

Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce With Avocado Crema Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a slightly different but complementary flavor profile to the dish.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a chunkier texture and a more intense tomato flavor to the dish.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for low sodium chicken broth, adding depth of flavor and richness to the dish while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
chipotle pepper in adobo - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can be used as a substitute for chipotle pepper in adobo, providing a smoky flavor and a mild heat to the dish.
avocado - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for avocado in the crema, providing a creamy and tangy element to the dish while reducing the fat content.
low fat sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for low fat sour cream, offering a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the avocado crema.

Presenting Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce with Avocado Crema

Elevate the chicken: Carefully slice the chicken breasts on a bias and fan them out on the plate for an elegant presentation.
Artful drizzling: Use a squeeze bottle to create a beautiful, artistic drizzle of the tomato chipotle sauce around the edge of the plate.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the plate with finely chopped cilantro, ensuring each piece of chicken is adorned with a delicate touch of green.
Avocado crema swirl: Use a small spoon to create a perfect, smooth swirl of the avocado crema on the plate, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Balance and symmetry: Ensure that the components of the dish are arranged with balance and symmetry, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Plate with finesse: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that the dish is presented with finesse and attention to detail.
Use vibrant colors: Incorporate colorful elements such as the bright green avocado crema and the rich red of the tomato chipotle sauce to create a visually stunning plate.
Clean edges and surfaces: Wipe the edges of the plate to ensure a clean presentation, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to stand out.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Skillet Chicken Recipe

Large non-stick skillet: A large non-stick skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and preparing the tomato chipotle sauce. It ensures even heat distribution and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is used for sautéing the onions and garlic, and for scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the skillet, adding flavor to the sauce.
Blender: A small blender is needed to prepare the avocado crema. It helps to blend the ingredients into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Plastic wrap or parchment: Plastic wrap or parchment is used to cover the chicken breasts before pounding them to an even thickness. This helps prevent splattering and ensures even cooking.
Meat mallet or rolling pin: A meat mallet or rolling pin is used for pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used to combine the ingredients for the avocado crema before transferring them to the blender for processing.
Tongs: Tongs are helpful for flipping the chicken breasts while they are being browned in the skillet and for transferring them to a plate.
Knife: A knife is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeno pepper, as well as for slicing the lime and avocado.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing the ingredients, ensuring safety and preventing damage to countertops.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the spices, salt, and lime juice for the tomato chipotle sauce and the avocado crema.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to measure the tomato sauce, low sodium chicken broth, and low-fat sour cream for the recipe.
Plate: A plate is used to hold the cooked chicken breasts while preparing the tomato chipotle sauce and avocado crema.

Storing and Freezing Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce

To store leftover skillet chicken in the refrigerator, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For the best quality, store the tomato chipotle sauce and avocado crema separately from the chicken. Keep the sauces in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
When ready to reheat, place the chicken and tomato chipotle sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Reheat the avocado crema in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy it cold.
To freeze the skillet chicken, place the cooled chicken and tomato chipotle sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
The skillet chicken and tomato chipotle sauce can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the frozen meal overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
It is not recommended to freeze the avocado crema, as it may change texture and flavor after being frozen and thawed. For the best results, prepare the avocado crema fresh when ready to serve the reheated skillet chicken.

How To Reheat Leftover Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover skillet chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be sure to check the chicken every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover chicken and tomato chipotle sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through. This method allows you to reheat the chicken and sauce together, ensuring that the flavors meld together nicely.
If you have leftover avocado crema, it's best to store it separately from the chicken and sauce. When reheating the chicken, you can either microwave the avocado crema for a few seconds or simply let it come to room temperature before serving.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover skillet chicken, try shredding the chicken and using it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. The tomato chipotle sauce and avocado crema will make delicious toppings for your Mexican-inspired dishes.

Interesting Trivia About Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce

The tomato chipotle sauce in this recipe adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the dish, complementing the tender chicken.

Budget-Friendly Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce

The cost-effectiveness of this skillet chicken in tomato chipotle sauce with avocado crema recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, tomato sauce, and avocado, are reasonably priced and readily available. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh flavors, this dish offers great value. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $20, making it an affordable and satisfying meal. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its taste, nutritional value, and budget-friendly nature.

Is This Skillet Chicken Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The skillet chicken in tomato chipotle sauce with avocado crema recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. Here's why:

Chicken breast is a lean protein source, low in fat and high in essential amino acids
Tomato sauce provides lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers
Avocado in the crema offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
Onion and garlic contain beneficial compounds like quercetin and allicin
Chipotle pepper adds a kick of capsaicin, which may boost metabolism

However, the recipe could be even healthier with a few tweaks:

Opt for low-sodium tomato sauce and chicken broth to reduce overall sodium content
Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce
Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt in the avocado crema for a protein boost and lower fat content
Use a touch more olive oil in place of the spray to incorporate more healthy fats
Serve alongside a fiber-rich whole grain like quinoa or brown rice to round out the meal

By making these small adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional value of this already tasty and satisfying dish. The key is to focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients and balance the macronutrients for a well-rounded meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Editor's Opinion on This Skillet Chicken Recipe

This skillet chicken in tomato chipotle sauce with avocado crema recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, while the tomato chipotle sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick. The creamy and zesty avocado crema provides a refreshing contrast, elevating the dish to a whole new level. The combination of these elements creates a harmonious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. It's a wonderful balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness that will tantalize the taste buds. Overall, this recipe is a winner and a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal.

Enhance Your Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce With Avocado Crema Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato chipotle sauce.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, adding a bright and refreshing contrast to the rich and smoky flavors of the main dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, providing a touch of natural sweetness to balance out the spicy chipotle sauce and creamy avocado crema.

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Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters by grating fresh zucchini, mixing it with herbs, cheese, and a touch of flour, then frying until golden brown. Serve with a side of tangy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and oats in a delightful apple crisp. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

Why trust this Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce With Avocado Crema Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any home cook. The chipotle pepper in adobo adds a smoky kick, while the creamy avocado crema balances the heat. The use of fresh cilantro and lime juice ensures a burst of freshness in every bite. With a well-balanced blend of tomato sauce and chicken broth, this dish promises a rich and savory experience. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your culinary journey with its vibrant and authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.

Want to share your experience making this Skillet Chicken in Tomato Chipotle Sauce With Avocado Crema? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for chipotle pepper in adobo?

If you don't have chipotle pepper in adobo, you can substitute it with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken thighs are cooked through.

How spicy is the chipotle pepper in adobo?

The chipotle pepper in adobo can add a moderate level of spiciness to the dish. If you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce the amount of chipotle pepper used in the recipe.

Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the avocado sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container and place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce to prevent browning. It's best to consume it within a day or two for the freshest flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based protein of your choice. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.