Description
A quick and flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken recipe featuring tender baked chicken breasts smothered in zesty salsa verde and melted Monterey Jack cheese, garnished with fresh cilantro and green onion for a vibrant finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 chicken breasts)
- 16 ounces salsa verde (store-bought or homemade, 1 jar)
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped green onion
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish to prepare for the chicken.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and smoked paprika to create your spice rub.
- Season Chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, then drizzle and rub in the olive oil to help the spices adhere.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Pour the salsa verde evenly over the chicken to coat it well.
- Bake Chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the salsa flavor.
- Add Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken, and return to the oven.
- Melt Cheese: Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Check Temperature: Verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the chicken with chopped fresh cilantro and green onion if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought salsa verde or make your own for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the chili powder amount according to your spice tolerance.
- To ensure even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar thickness or pound them to an even size.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
