Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Chicken Pepián)

Savor the Crispy Delights of Long John Silver’s Style Fish Fillets

Embark on a flavor voyage with this Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Chicken Pepián) recipe, merging tender chicken with the nutty, smoky richness of a homemade tomatillo–pumpkin seed sauce. The combination of roasted vegetables, toasted pepitas, and fresh herbs creates a silky sauce that clings beautifully to juicy chicken pieces, making every bite both comforting and exciting.

Whether it’s a laid-back family dinner or a festive weekend meal, this dish transports the vibrant flavors of traditional Latin cooking right to your table.

Ideal for an enjoyable evening or a joyous event, this recipe encapsulates the essence of hearty comfort food with a fresh twist. Ready to elevate your mealtime with a splash of nutty goodness and tangy tomatillos? Let’s dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding recipe.

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Flavorful and Nutty: Your New Go-To Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce

This Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Chicken Pepián) not only celebrates the bold nuttiness of roasted pepitas but also balances it with roasted tomatillos, smoky poblano, and a splash of lime. The result is a dish that feels both traditional and refreshing.

Not just a meal, this is a foray into a beloved regional specialty, simplified for the modern kitchen yet staying true to its roots. Each component comes together to create layers of flavor that will impress both family and friends.

Here’s how you can achieve that signature creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken skewers, complete with professional tips to ensure success.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables to make a well-rounded meal.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce

1. Soak Skewers First: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning.
2. Broil for Smokiness: Roast tomatillos and poblano until charred for the deep flavor that makes this sauce stand out.
3. Toast Pepitas Properly: Toast pumpkin seeds until fragrant and popping—this step intensifies their nutty character.
4. Blend Smoothly: Puree the sauce well to achieve a velvety consistency that coats the chicken evenly.
5. Serve Fresh: Garnish with cilantro, pepitas, or green onions to add freshness and crunch.

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Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Chicken Pepián) Recipe

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Equipment: Baking sheet, skewers, broiler or grill, sauté pan, blender or food processor

With this Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Chicken Pepián) recipe, your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of roasted vegetables and toasted seeds, creating a dish that’s both vibrant and nourishing.

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Ingredients

Chicken Skewers Ingredients:

• Wooden or metal skewers
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, chopped pepitas

Pepitas Sauce (Pepián Verde) Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh tomatillos, husked and halved
• 1 poblano pepper, halved and cored
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ⅔ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds), plus extra for garnish
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, lightly packed
• ½ cup vegetable stock or water
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

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Directions

1. Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers if needed. Toss chicken with olive oil, then thread onto skewers. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook Chicken: Broil skewers on a baking sheet for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until golden and fully cooked. Alternatively, grill for the same time over medium-high heat.
3. Roast Vegetables: Preheat broiler. Toss tomatillos and poblano with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place skin-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 8–10 minutes until charred.
4. Toast Pepitas: Heat a sauté pan over medium-high. Toast pumpkin seeds 2–4 minutes, stirring, until popping and fragrant. Remove to a plate.
5. Cook Aromatics: In the same pan, add remaining olive oil. Sauté onion 5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and jalapeño, cooking 2 minutes more.
6. Blend Sauce: Transfer onion mixture to a blender. Add roasted tomatillos, poblano, pepitas, cilantro, stock, lime juice, and cumin. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve: Arrange chicken skewers on a platter. Drizzle with pepitas sauce or serve it on the side. Garnish with cilantro and extra pepitas.

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Ready to Relish!

This Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Chicken Pepián) offers a rich and satisfying dining experience that brings together smoky vegetables, nutty seeds, and fresh herbs. Each bite delivers harmony between earthy and bright flavors, making it a dish you’ll want to revisit often.

It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, yet simple enough for a comforting family dinner.

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Storage Solutions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover sauce and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze sauce for up to 2 months. Reblend gently after thawing to restore texture.
• Reheat: Warm chicken in the oven and reheat sauce on the stovetop, stirring to maintain creaminess.

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