Mean Green Chicken

Get ready to invigorate your dinner table with Mean Green Chicken, a bold and vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty green sauce bursting with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil, enhanced by earthy cumin and coriander. A hint of lime juice and honey adds the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, while a touch of green chili (or jalapeño) delivers a customizable kick of heat. Quick to prep and ready in just 20 minutes of cooking time, this protein-packed meal is ideal for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. Serve it hot with a drizzle of reserved marinade, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, and your favorite side dishes like rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal. Perfectly marinated, golden-seared, and bursting with fresh green goodness, this flavorful chicken recipe is sure to be a new staple in your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Spinach (fresh, packed)
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 piece Green chili (or jalapeño, seeded for less heat)
• 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Place the cilantro, parsley, basil, spinach, garlic, and green chili in a blender or food processor.

Step 2

Add the olive oil, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper to the blender. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant green marinade.

Step 3

Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for later use.

Step 4

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Toss to coat the chicken well. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 5

Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan if necessary.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Cook the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are golden brown with slight charred edges.

Step 7

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 8

Drizzle the reserved marinade over the cooked chicken before serving for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 9

Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime for added creaminess and tang. Pair with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1064.4 grams (1064.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1579

Total Fat 105.20g	135%
Saturated Fat 20.60g	103%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 440mg	147%
Sodium 2871mg	125%
Total Carbohydrate 42.70g	16%
Dietary Fiber 9.50g	34%
Total Sugars 23.50g
Protein 121.10g	242%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 606mg	47%
Iron 17mg	97%
Potassium 3026mg	64%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.1%

Protein: 30.2%

Carbs: 10.7%