Looking for a delicious and vibrant dish to elevate your dinner? This salsa verde chicken recipe is just what you need! With tender chicken bathed in a zesty green sauce made from fresh herbs and tangy tomatillos, this meal is sure to impress. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish combines simplicity and fantastic flavor. Get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups salsa verde
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chopped cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken breast with sauce) contains approximately:
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 5g
– Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional breakdown is for one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture over the chicken breasts evenly.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
6. Pour salsa verde over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
7. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
10. Serve hot, garnished with lime juice and additional cilantro.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to swap out chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option. Additionally, you can use homemade salsa verde if you prefer a fresher taste. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Serving and Pairings
This salsa verde chicken pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with avocado slices and sour cream for added richness.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too high heat when searing can burn the chicken.
- Not seasoning the chicken adequately will result in bland flavor.
- Overcooking can make the chicken dry.
- Skipping the cover while baking can dry out the dish.
- Using jarred salsa can result in less vibrant flavors.
Helpful Tips
- Let the chicken rest before slicing for juicier meat.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Experiment with different salsas for varied flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking and proper texture.
How spicy is salsa verde chicken?
The spice level depends on the salsa verde used. Mild salsas are available for those who prefer less heat, while fresh jalapeños can be added for more kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and salsa verde in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for a fresh meal.
What can I substitute for salsa verde?
You can use green enchilada sauce or even homemade green sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, and lime juice for a similar flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! The flavors intensify as it sits, making it a delicious option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Conclusion
This salsa verde chicken recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with vibrant flavors that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish that brings everyone together. Enjoy the rich, tangy notes of salsa verde and the tenderness of chicken, making every bite a memorable experience.
Salsa Verde Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups salsa verde
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture over the chicken breasts evenly.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Pour salsa verde over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with lime juice and additional cilantro.
