Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe with friends because it s that kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It s packed with vibrant flavors from the tangy salsa verde paired with tender, juicy chicken – a combination that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. When I first tried this recipe, the ease of cooking everything in one skillet blew me away, and I know you ll love how simple it is to pull off.

You ll find that this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe is perfect for busy days when you want delicious, homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it s versatile: you can make it with store-bought salsa verde or whip up your own for an extra fresh touch. Trust me, making this has become a go-to in my house because it s flavorful, comforting, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe come together beautifully to create a rich and layered dish. I always recommend using fresh or high-quality store-bought salsa verde as it really sets the tone for the flavor.

• Chicken breasts: Look for medium-sized breasts for even cooking; pounding them lightly helps if some are thick.
• Salsa verde: You can grab a jar from the store, but homemade salsa verde amps up freshness and brightness.
• Tex-Mex cheese blend: Choose a good melting cheese mix to create that luscious cheesy topping.
• Chicken bone broth: Adds rich depth; if you don’t have bone broth, good quality chicken stock works too.
• Garlic powder & chili powder: These spices boost aroma and add subtle heat without overpowering.
• Olive or avocado oil: For searing – avocado oil s great if you want higher heat tolerance.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Season well to bring out all the flavors.
• Cilantro: Use fresh leaves chopped fine – it adds a perfect herbal freshness.
• Lime slices: For garnish and a quick squeeze of tartness just before serving.
• Optional scallions: Thinly sliced, they bring a nice mild onion crunch when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I like to keep things flexible with this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe. Feel free to tweak it to your liking; I’ve found that small swaps keep it interesting and accommodate different diets without sacrificing flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne brings warmth, which my spice-loving friends adore.
• Dairy-Free Version: Skip the cheese topping and sprinkle with extra fresh cilantro and avocado for creamy richness.
• Green Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach or chopped zucchini towards the end of simmering for added nutrition.
• Protein Swap: This method works great with boneless thighs if you prefer darker meat – just adjust cooking time slightly.

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, sprinkle your chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings in well – this step really wakes up the flavor. Heat your olive or avocado oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the chicken in the pan and sear for about 3 minutes per side until each side is beautifully golden brown. This searing locks in juices and adds a wonderful crust you re going to love. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce and Simmer

With the chicken resting, pour the chicken bone broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pan – these are flavor gold! Add your salsa verde next, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Nestle the chicken breasts back into this bubbling sauce and let everything simmer together until the chicken cooks through and the sauce reduces by at least half in volume – this usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Don t forget to spoon the sauce over the chicken occasionally; it helps keep the meat moist and infuses every bite with that unbeatable salsa verde goodness.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Bake to Finish

Once the sauce has thickened nicely, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the Tex-Mex cheese blend evenly over the chicken. Then, slide the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Keep an eye on it-no one wants burnt cheese! When the cheese is perfectly melted, it s ready.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet out of the oven, scatter chopped fresh cilantro on top, and add a few lime slices for serving. If you re using scallions, sprinkle those on as well for a burst of fresh crunch and color. Serve your Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet hot right out of the pan with your favorite sides. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your most-requested meals.

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with plenty of fresh chopped cilantro because it adds that bright herbal note that complements the salsa verde perfectly. Lime slices are a must – a quick squeeze right before eating lifts all the flavors. When I want an extra punch, thinly sliced scallions on top bring subtle sharpness and crunch, which my family loves.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to pair with this recipe include fluffy cilantro-lime rice or simple Mexican street corn for a festive touch. It also goes wonderfully with roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. If you prefer a lighter option, a crisp, fresh salad with avocado and tomato balances the richness of the chicken skillet beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or special occasions, I like to serve this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe in the skillet itself at the table – it makes for a rustic and inviting presentation. Adding a handful of colorful edible flowers or extra lime wedges around the pan turns it into an eye-catching centerpiece. You can also serve it over mini corn tortillas for a casual taco night vibe that everyone enjoys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and have found they stay delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce actually soaks into the chicken overnight, making it even more flavorful the next day – a happy accident I discovered the first time I saved some for lunches.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well. I portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you thaw it gently in the fridge overnight, it reheats nicely while keeping its texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming the leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the chicken moist and prevents the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, microwaving covered with a damp paper towel works fine for a quicker fix.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simplicity with bold, fresh flavors that bring joy to any meal. It’s reliably quick, flavorful, and comforting – a dish that never fails to impress both family and guests. I really encourage you to give it a try; once you do, it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner too. Cooking it feels like sharing a little fiesta on your plate, and honestly, who wouldn t want that?

Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet Recipe

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• Author: Stacy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in tangy salsa verde and topped with melty Tex-Mex cheese. This one-pan dish is perfect for a quick dinner and garnished with fresh cilantro, lime slices, and optional scallions for a zesty finish.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 medium chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil

Sauce & Toppings

• 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
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste
• Fresh lime slices, to garnish
• Optional: thinly sliced scallions, to garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to prepare for finishing the chicken with melted cheese.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Remove Chicken and Deglaze: 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.
5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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Notes

• Use an oven-proof skillet such as cast iron for stovetop-to-oven cooking.
• Homemade salsa verde can be used for a fresher flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and chili powder depending on salsa heat strength.
• The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure proper cooking.
• Bone broth adds richness; substitute with chicken stock if needed.
• Optional garnishes like scallions add a mild onion flavor and extra texture.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg