Description
This vibrant Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy and flavorful salsa verde sauce, topped with melted Tex-Mex cheese. A quick and easy one-pan meal with a perfect blend of spices, fresh cilantro, and lime, ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and packed with zest.
Ingredients
Scale
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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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.
- Add Cheese and Bake: 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
- Using an oven-proof skillet is key for transferring from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
- Adjust chili powder amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Bone broth enhances flavor and richness but chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
- If fresh salsa verde isn’t available, jarred salsa verde works well for convenience.
- For a lower calorie option, reduce the cheese or use a low-fat cheese blend.
