Description
Salsa Verde Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in tangy salsa verde, seasoned with a blend of spices, and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Finished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, coating each piece thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside a baking dish to allow them to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Add Salsa Verde: Pour the salsa verde evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them well to infuse the dish with tangy, fresh flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to cook the chicken through gently.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken breasts, and return the dish uncovered to the oven. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Take the dish out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve the salsa verde chicken hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp green salad to make a complete meal.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in salsa verde for 30 minutes prior to baking.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier texture.
- Make sure to bake uncovered after adding cheese to achieve a nice melted and bubbly topping.
