If you’re searching for a vibrant and satisfying meal that bursts with fresh flavors and cozy comfort, this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts simmered in tangy, zesty salsa verde create a mouthwatering base, topped off with melted Tex-Mex cheese that adds a deliciously creamy finish. It’s simple, quick, and so full of life that every bite feels like a celebration. Trust me, this dish has become one of my favorite go-to dinners when I want something impressive but effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe so special is the simplicity of the ingredients and how beautifully they come together. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavor, giving the dish its vibrant green color, spicy aroma, and that rich, cheesy goodness.
- 4 medium chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing succulent protein that soaks up all the zesty flavors.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory warmth that enhances the chicken without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder: Brings a touch of smoky heat that lifts the salsa verde beautifully.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and amplifying all the flavors.
- 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crust and keeping it moist.
- 1 (15 ounce) jar salsa verde or 2 cups homemade salsa verde: The bright, tangy sauce that’s packed with fresh tomatillos and green chilies.
- 1/2 cup chicken bone broth: Adds depth and a silky texture to the sauce as it simmers.
- 1/2 cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend: Melts irresistibly over the chicken for that gooey, inviting finish.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste: Offers a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.
- Fresh lime slices, to garnish: Adds a zesty pop of citrus, elevating the entire dish.
- Optional: thinly sliced scallions, to garnish: Provides a mild onion crunch for extra texture and color.
How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step gets your oven ready for that final cheesy, bubbling finish that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 2: Season Chicken
Generously sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, chili powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure to rub those seasonings into every nook and cranny of the chicken. This ensures each bite is bursting with flavor and complexity.
Step 3: Heat Oil and Sear Chicken
Heat your olive or avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3 minutes on each side until each piece develops a gorgeous, golden crust that holds all the seasoning in place.
Step 4: Remove Chicken and Deglaze
Once the chicken is browned to perfection, transfer it temporarily to a plate. Pour the chicken bone broth into the same skillet and add your salsa verde. Cooking on medium heat, use a spatula to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step creates a rich, tasty sauce base that’s full of depth.
Step 5: Simmer Chicken in Sauce
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet right into the simmering salsa verde sauce. Let them cook gently until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce reduces to about half its original liquid. Be sure to spoon the sauce over the chicken regularly, keeping every piece tender and extra flavorful.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
With the sauce thick and chicken perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend evenly across the top of the chicken breasts. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet out of the oven carefully. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, bright lime slices, and if you like, a scattering of thinly sliced scallions. This final burst of color and freshness makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime slices are not just for decoration. They add a delightful aromatic freshness and citrus zing that perfectly balance the creamy cheese and tangy salsa verde. The optional scallions provide a little crunch and mild onion flavor that lifts every bite.
Side Dishes
This Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy white rice or warm, buttery tortillas. A bright corn salad or a side of black beans also complements the flavors and adds a touch of textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve this dish family-style right in the skillet at the table so everyone can help themselves. You can also shred the chicken and toss it with extra salsa verde for tacos or burrito bowls piled high with your favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Make sure to leave some room for expansion to avoid spills.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken skillet in a pan over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make homemade salsa verde for this recipe?
Yes, homemade salsa verde made from tomatillos, jalapeños, onion, garlic, and cilantro works beautifully and can really elevate the freshness in this dish.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven?
You can skip the oven step and just melt the cheese over low heat on the stove. It might take a little longer, but it will still taste fantastic.
What can I substitute for chicken bone broth?
If you don’t have bone broth, regular chicken broth or even water with a pinch of salt will work fine, though bone broth adds a nice depth of flavor.
How spicy is this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe?
The heat level depends on the salsa verde you use. Store-bought versions vary, but you can control the spice by choosing a mild salsa or balancing it with extra cheese and lime.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe enough for your next dinner. It’s one of those dishes that tastes gourmet but feels like a warm hug on a plate. From the vibrant sauce to the melty cheese and fresh garnishes, it hits every note you want in a meal. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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 vibrant Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, simmered in a flavorful salsa verde sauce, and topped with melted Tex-Mex cheese. Finished in the oven and garnished with fresh cilantro, lime slices, and scallions, this dish is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking and Sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1 (15 ounce) jar salsa verde or 2 cups homemade salsa verde
- 1/2 cup chicken bone broth
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste
- Fresh lime slices, to garnish
- Optional: thinly sliced scallions, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken with melted cheese.
- Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the chicken breasts 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.
- Heat Oil and 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.
- Remove Chicken and Deglaze: Transfer the browned chicken to a plate temporarily. Pour the chicken bone broth into the warm skillet, add the salsa verde, and cook on medium heat while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a low simmer.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet, placing it into the simmering salsa verde sauce. Let it simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is reduced by about half, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally to keep it moist.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Once the sauce has thickened and chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded Tex-Mex cheese evenly over the chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 3-4 minutes, 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
- Use an oven-proof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa verde.
- Bone broth adds depth of flavor, but chicken broth can be substituted.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
