If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that bursts with vibrant flavors and requires minimal fuss, this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Juicy chicken breasts get a beautiful sear, then simmer in a tangy, slightly spicy salsa verde sauce that’s rich with herbs and zest. Topped with melty Tex-Mex cheese, this skillet meal is a complete flavor-packed package that feels both comforting and a little festive. Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that’s as straightforward as it is satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a clever role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From aromatic spices to the creamy cheese finishing touch, every component counts toward making this dish irresistibly delicious.
- 4 medium chicken breasts: The main protein, making the dish hearty and wholesome.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder: Brings a mild smoky heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to highlight all the flavors.
- 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to lock in juices and create a golden crust.
- 1 (15 ounce) jar salsa verde or 2 cups homemade salsa verde: The vibrant, herbal star of the dish, providing tanginess and spice.
- 1/2 cup chicken bone broth: Adds a savory richness and keeps the sauce silky and luscious.
- 1/2 cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, cheesy topping that complements the sauce.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste: Adds fresh green brightness and a little herbal lift as garnish.
- Fresh lime slices, to garnish: Offers a zesty tang that cuts through the richness.
- Optional: thinly sliced scallions, to garnish: For a mild onion crunch and extra color contrast.
How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. This warm-up is essential because you’ll finish the chicken by melting that delicious Tex-Mex cheese to golden bubbly glory, and your oven needs to be ready to go.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Thrillingly
Sprinkle your chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then rub those spices all over until every inch is coated. This step ensures that the chicken won’t just be juicy but deeply flavored from the inside out.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat up the olive or avocado oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3 minutes until you get that irresistible golden crust. This step locks moisture inside and adds heaps of savory flavor.
Step 4: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce
Remove the chicken for a moment and pour bone broth into the still-warm skillet to deglaze it. Scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom — they’re full of flavor! Add the salsa verde next and bring it to a gentle simmer, infusing the sauce with smoky and tangy notes.
Step 5: Simmer and Marinate
Place the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling salsa verde sauce. Let the chicken cook at a low simmer until it turns fully opaque and tender, and the sauce reduces by about half. Spoon that sauce over the chicken frequently to keep everything juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly sprinkle the shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend right over the chicken. Pop the skillet into the oven for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, adding a creamy, cheesy finish to this dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Carefully take the skillet out and sprinkle fresh cilantro, add lime slices, and if you like, thinly sliced scallions on top. These garnishes add bursts of color, freshness, and brightness that make the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime slices are non-negotiable when it comes to serving. The cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note, while a squeeze of lime brings that perfect zing that elevates each bite to something truly mouthwatering. Scallions add a gentle crunch and mild onion flavor, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet chicken pairs exceptionally well with fluffy Mexican rice, creamy avocado slices, or a simple green salad for balance. For something cozy, serve it alongside warm tortillas or a bed of cilantro-lime quinoa to soak up every last drop of salsa verde sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over soft corn tortillas for an impromptu taco night or spoon it atop a baked sweet potato for a hearty, nutritious meal. You might also layer the chicken with roasted veggies for a colorful sheet-pan dinner. No matter how you present it, the vibrant salsa verde sauce and melted cheese will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover salsa verde chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for excellent next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, spooning extra salsa verde sauce over the chicken as it warms. Alternatively, microwave on a lower power setting in short bursts, always checking to avoid overheating. A quick pop in the oven with foil will refresh the melted cheese and keep everything juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender and flavorful.
What if I don’t have salsa verde on hand?
You can easily make a quick homemade salsa verde using tomatillos, jalapeños, onions, garlic, and cilantro, blended together. Alternatively, a good-quality store-bought jar works perfectly and speeds up the process.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness is mild and balanced thanks to the chili powder and salsa verde, but you can always add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne if you crave more heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or swap in a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative, and you’ll still have a flavorful, satisfying meal.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F, or cut into the thickest part to ensure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
This Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe is truly a winner for anyone craving a quick, vibrant, and comforting meal. With its juicy, seasoned chicken simmered in a lively green sauce and topped with melty cheese, it hits every note perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — it’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table again and again.
Print
Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy and flavorful salsa verde sauce, finished with a melted Tex-Mex cheese topping. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, this one-pan dish offers a vibrant and easy meal with fresh cilantro and lime garnishes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1 (15 ounce) jar salsa verde, or 2 cups homemade salsa verde
- 1/2 cup chicken bone broth
- 1/2 cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste
- Fresh lime slices, to garnish
- Optional: thinly sliced scallions, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to prepare for finishing the chicken with melted cheese.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the seasonings thoroughly into the chicken on all sides to ensure full flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive or avocado oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear each side until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side, developing a flavorful crust.
- Prepare Sauce: Once nicely browned, transfer the chicken to a plate temporarily. Pour the chicken bone broth into the same skillet while still warm. Add the salsa verde and cook on medium heat, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the sauce’s flavor. Bring the mixture to a low simmer.
- Simmer Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet, placing it into the bubbling salsa verde sauce. Let it simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked through and the liquid sauce has reduced by at least half. During simmering, spoon the hot sauce over the chicken several times to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Melt Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend evenly over the chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 3-4 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped cilantro, lime slices, and optional thinly sliced scallions. Serve warm and enjoy the vibrant, cheesy salsa verde chicken.
Notes
- This recipe works best with an oven-proof skillet, such as cast iron, to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- You can use store-bought salsa verde or homemade for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your preferred spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese topping or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
