This Baked Salsa Verde Chicken is a simple, flavorful dinner option that brings together tender chicken breasts, tangy salsa verde, and melted cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect weeknight solution.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish requires only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, yet delivers big flavor. The salsa verde provides a zesty twist, while the baked cheese creates a melty topping that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup salsa verde
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½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Pour salsa verde over the chicken and sprinkle cheese on top.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
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Cheese Options: Use pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend.
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Add Veggies: Include bell peppers or onions in the skillet before baking.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add extra salsa verde if needed to keep it moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and stay juicy when baked.
2. What’s the best salsa verde to use?
Use your favorite store-bought brand or make it homemade for a fresher flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and bake it when ready to serve.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the baked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
7. What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with rice, tortillas, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
8. How can I make this a one-pan meal?
Add canned beans or cooked rice to the skillet before baking.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the salsa verde and cheese are gluten-free, the whole dish is safe.
10. Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grill the chicken first, then top with salsa and cheese and broil briefly to melt the cheese.
Conclusion
Baked Salsa Verde Chicken is a fast, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With zesty salsa verde and melty cheese, it delivers satisfying comfort in every bite. Whether served over rice or wrapped in tortillas, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
Baked Salsa Verde Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Salsa Verde Chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in zesty salsa verde and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for weeknights, this low-prep, high-flavor dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or veggies. A crowd-pleasing, gluten-free, and comforting meal in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup salsa verde
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
Pour salsa verde over chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Try cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of Monterey Jack.
Bell peppers, onions, or beans can be added for a veggie boost.
This dish is gluten-free as long as all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
