Description
This Salsa Verde Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a zesty tomatillo salsa verde, topped with melted Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese, and optionally garnished with fresh cilantro. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served with rice, quinoa, or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Chicken and Salsa
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15-ounce) jar (1 3/4 cups) tomatillo salsa verde
Toppings
- 4 ounces Monterey jack and/or pepper jack cheese, grated (1 1/4 cups)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the chicken bake.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half to create smaller pieces that will fit evenly in the casserole dish.
- Arrange chicken in baking dish: Line a 1 1/2- to 2-quart casserole dish with the chicken pieces, making sure to cover the bottom completely so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Cover with salsa verde: Pour the tomatillo salsa verde over the chicken ensuring all pieces are well covered to prevent drying out during baking.
- Bake the chicken: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 150°F, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Increase oven temperature and add cheese: Raise the oven temperature to 400°F, sprinkle the grated Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese over the chicken, then return the dish to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and accompany with cooked rice, quinoa, or tortilla chips for added texture.
Notes
- Cooking the chicken to 150°F is recommended because it will continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven.
- Using fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich salsa verde and melted cheese.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
