Easy Salsa Verde Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and the tangy goodness of salsa verde. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and delicious meal that requires minimal effort. With a few ingredients and just one pan, this recipe delivers a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors. Whether you serve it in tacos, burritos, or over rice, it’s a versatile dish the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you need a meal in a flash.
- Minimal ingredients – Only a few ingredients are needed, making it simple to prepare.
- Versatile – Use it in tacos, over rice, in salads, or as a filling for burritos.
- Packed with flavor – Salsa verde adds a tangy, zesty kick that enhances the chicken.
- Healthy – Lean chicken breasts combined with a fresh salsa verde create a light, yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and cumin on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on the outside.
- Add garlic and salsa verde: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the salsa verde and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the salsa verde over it. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added flavor. Serve the salsa verde chicken over rice, in tacos, or with a side of beans and vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Salsa Verde: Add a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
- Use chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and will add more flavor to the dish if you prefer them over breasts.
- Slow cooker version: Place the chicken, salsa verde, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and can be shredded.
- Salsa options: If you don’t have salsa verde, regular red salsa or pico de gallo can work in a pinch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it fully before cooking. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking.
Can I make my own salsa verde?
Absolutely! Blend tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic, and a bit of lime juice to make a homemade salsa verde for an even fresher taste.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this dish stores well and can be made ahead of time for a quick meal throughout the week.
Can I use chicken tenders or cutlets?
Yes, you can use chicken tenders or cutlets. They will cook even faster, so reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
Salsa verde can vary in spiciness. If you’re sensitive to heat, look for a mild version, or add less salsa to the pan to adjust the spice level.
How can I make this recipe even quicker?
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or chicken breast and skip the cooking step. Just heat the chicken with the salsa verde and garlic in the skillet.
What can I serve with salsa verde chicken?
It’s great with rice, tortillas, avocado slices, beans, or a side salad. You can also make it into a taco or burrito.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken and salsa verde can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
Can I use a different kind of sauce?
Yes, you can use regular tomato salsa, enchilada sauce, or any of your favorite sauces as a substitute for salsa verde.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
Easy Salsa Verde Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and healthy meal that can be made in just 30 minutes. With its tangy salsa verde and tender chicken, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Whether served over rice, in tacos, or with a side of beans, this dish is packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Mexican-inspired comfort food with minimal effort!
Print
Easy Salsa Verde Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Salsa Verde Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with the tangy, zesty goodness of salsa verde. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. This versatile recipe is great for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads, offering a healthy and delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts or Thighs
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
Salsa Verde
1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
Garlic (minced)
3 cloves garlic, minced
Cumin
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and Pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime Wedges (optional, for serving)
2 lime wedges for serving
Instructions
-
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and cumin on both sides.
-
Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on the outside.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Add garlic and salsa verde:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the salsa verde and stir to combine.
-
Simmer:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the salsa verde mixture over it.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
- Enjoy the salsa verde chicken over rice, in tacos, or with a side of beans and vegetables.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the salsa verde.
- If you prefer chicken thighs, they are juicier and offer more flavor compared to chicken breasts.
- Use a slow cooker for an easy alternative: cook chicken with salsa verde and seasonings on low for 4-6 hours, then shred it for tacos or burritos.
- You can substitute regular red salsa or pico de gallo if you don’t have salsa verde
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