If you are craving a vibrant, zesty, and wonderfully tender chicken dish, this Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. With a perfect blend of tangy salsa verde and warming spices, this dish transforms simple chicken breasts into a fiesta of flavors. It’s easy to make, wholesome, and packs that irresistible Mexican flair that brightens up any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is your first step towards creating an authentically delicious dinner. Each element plays a key role—the salsa verde adds tang and herbal brightness, the spices enhance depth, and the olive oil helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Choose plump, even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Salsa verde (1 cup): This sauce brings fresh, mildly tangy green chile flavor that is signature to this recipe.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, earthy undertone that complements the salsa effortlessly.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle garlic punch without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory depth with gentle onion notes.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a touch of mild heat and complexity.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing, contributing a golden crust and rich flavor.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: A bright, herbal garnish to finish the dish perfectly.
- Lime wedges (optional): Adds a zesty citrus burst right before eating, enhancing brightness.
How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Seasoning
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, mix the salsa verde, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This spice-infused salsa verde will infuse your chicken with layers of vibrant flavor as it bakes.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a light golden crust. This step locks in the juices, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful before baking.
Step 3: Bake with Salsa Verde
Pour the seasoned salsa verde mixture over the seared chicken breasts, spreading it evenly to coat. Then, place the skillet in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken absorbs the salsa’s tang and spice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic, bright garnish that complements the earthy salsa verde and spices. A squeeze of lime juice right before eating lifts the dish with a lively, citrusy brightness that is simply irresistible. If you like, thinly sliced radishes or a dollop of creamy avocado can add colorful texture contrast and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or warm tortillas, perfect for scooping up that flavorful sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, corn, or bell peppers create a wholesome, colorful plate. A simple black bean salad or crisp green salad can balance the warmth with fresh, refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or enchiladas, topping with extra salsa verde and cheese. You can also serve it over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or spoon it onto crispy tostadas for a fun, hand-held meal. This recipe’s versatility encourages all kinds of creative presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce coating the chicken helps maintain moisture and flavor, preventing it from drying out when reheated.
Freezing
To enjoy this dish later, freeze cooked chicken breasts covered in salsa verde in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help maintain juiciness during reheating. Microwave reheating works too, though the texture may be slightly less tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs make a juicier alternative and soak up the salsa verde beautifully. Just adjust baking time slightly if the thighs are thicker or vary in size.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends largely on the salsa verde you choose. Most store-bought salsa verdes are mild, but if you prefer more heat, select a hotter salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it fits perfectly into dairy-free and gluten-free diets without any alterations.
What can I use instead of fresh cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley works as a bright, mild herb substitute, though the flavor will be less traditional. You can also skip the herb garnish if necessary.
How long will this dish keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the cooked Salsa Verde Chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Always check for freshness before consuming.
Final Thoughts
This Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe is one of those gems that brings simple ingredients together to create a flavorful, satisfying meal without fuss. It’s an absolute joy to cook and even more delightful to eat. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Salsa Verde Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in a zesty salsa verde sauce seasoned with cumin, garlic, and onion powders. This gluten-free entrée is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual meal, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salsa Verde Mixture
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
To Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salsa Verde Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the salsa verde, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to blend all the spices thoroughly with the salsa.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a light golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and flavor.
- Add the Salsa Mixture: Pour the prepared salsa verde mixture over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, spreading it evenly to coat each piece well.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with chicken and salsa into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired for added zest.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for the breasts if you prefer a juicier texture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For an extra spicy kick, use hot salsa verde instead of mild salsa verde.
