Chicken Breast with Kale Pipian

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Dairy Free
Gluten Free

Why we love it:

Pipian is one of the dozens of types of mole sauces. It’s typically not made with kale, but this is a fun way to season the kale and incorporate a leafy green as the sauce rather than a side dish. If you can’t find fresh or canned tomatillos, it’s common to find “salsa verde” which will be made with tomatillos.

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Ingredients

2 Delicata Squashs
1 pound Yukon Gold Potatoes (small, or other yellow variety)
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt (divided)
1 pound Chicken Breast (boneless/skinless, sliced into 4 filets or even pieces)
¹⁄₄ Yellow Onion (thinly sliced)
3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
1 6-ounce can Tomatillos (or 4 fresh tomatillos, or ½ cup tomatillo salsa)
1 bunch Lacinato Kale (small bunch, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn)
4 Tablespoons Pepitas
1 Lime (zest and juice)
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 Pomegranate
2 ounces Cotija Cheese (or parmesan, optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 425 DEGREES
2. SQUASH + POTATOES

Wash the delicata squash, then slice in ½. Scoop the seeds and guts out with a spoon then slice in half moons. Wash potatoes and cut in half or quarters to make pieces that are about 1”. Toss squash pieces and potatoes with oil on a rimmed baking sheet to coat; season with a pinch of kosher salt. Roast, tossing occasionally, until browned and tender, about 20 - 25 minutes.
3. CHICKEN

Cut the chicken as needed to get at least 1 piece per person. Place on a baking sheet or glass baking dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and place in the oven. Roast for 10 minutes while you make the sauce.
4. SAUCE

Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the onion, garlic, tomatillos, and 1 cup water. Wash and coarsely chop the kale. Add to the blender. Add the pepitas. Zest in the lime and then add the juice. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and cumin.

Blend well, stopping to stir if needed.

When the sauce is mostly smooth and consistent, pour into a small sauce pot and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally for about 5 - 10 minutes until sauce thickens a bit and turns slightly darker brown.
5. COAT CHICKEN

Generously spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it. You can use it all or reserve some for later or another use. Return to the oven and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 - 12 minutes longer depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
6. POMEGRANATE

Remove the seeds from the peel and membrane. You can do this by holding the fruit underwater; cut in ½ and hit the back with a spoon; or just slicing and peeling.
7. SERVING

Divide squash and potatoes among plates. Top with chicken breast and extra sauce if needed. Grate the cotija (or parmesan) over top to taste. Sprinkle all over with as many pomegranate seeds as you want.

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Substitutions

MAKE IT FASTER:

you can use frozen squash cubes or precut squash from your store
CHICKEN BREAST:

this is great with any cut of meat, drumsticks, thighs, or even spooned over a whole roast chicken
CHICKEN:

the sauce is delicious over roasted fish, like halibut or salmon
DELICATA SQUASH:

use butternut, acorn, honeynut, or kabocha, but adjust cooking time
TOMATILLOS:

use a can, fresh, or a jar or container of tomatillo salsa
KALE:

baby or regular spinach, chard, or arugula
PEPITAS:

are hulled pumpkin seeds, you can use sunflower seeds or walnuts instead
COTIJA:

optional so you can omit this garnish, or use parmesan or pecorino
POMEGRANATE:

you can buy them pre-seeded or omit
KIDS CORNER:

keep the sauce on the side for dipping. You can drizzle a bit of maple syrup on the squash and add some butter too, this is a kid-friendly hit!