Salsa Verde Chicken Bake

ByUsman

Salsa Verde Chicken Bake is a simple, flavorful, and comforting meal made with juicy chicken breasts, tangy salsa verde, and a golden layer of melted cheese. Everything comes together in one dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

This recipe is flexible, healthy, and crowd-pleasing. You can serve it with rice, veggies, or tortillas—or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice or salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  3. Season chicken with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place chicken in the baking dish.
  5. Pour salsa verde evenly over the top.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted.
  8. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: About 310 kcal per serving

The Inspiration Behind This Dish

Salsa verde, or “green sauce,” is a classic in Mexican cooking. Made from tomatillos, green chilies, garlic, and cilantro, it’s tangy, fresh, and slightly spicy. In this recipe, it turns simple baked chicken into a vibrant, comforting dinner with minimal effort.

Health Benefits

  • High in protein – Chicken breast is lean and filling.
  • Low in carbs – Perfect for keto, paleo, or Whole30 (just skip the cheese).
  • Nutrient-rich – Salsa verde provides antioxidants and vitamins.
  • Gluten-free – Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free with cheese alternatives.

Easy Ways to Customize It

  • Make it spicy – Add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or red pepper flakes.
  • Add veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or spinach work well.
  • Switch cheeses – Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso fresco.
  • Change the protein – Use chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or white fish like cod.

What to Serve With Salsa Verde Chicken

  • Low-carb sides – Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted veggies.
  • Traditional sides – Spanish rice, black beans, or tortillas.
  • Fresh toppings – Avocado, guacamole, green onions, or pickled red onions.

Storage and Meal Prep

  • Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.

👉 Pro Tip: Add a little extra salsa verde or cheese when reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving for Guests

This is a great dish for entertaining. Assemble everything ahead of time, then bake before serving. Set up a toppings bar with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and tortillas so everyone can build their own plate.

Final Thoughts

Salsa Verde Chicken Bake is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a cozy, satisfying meal that works for weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.

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