Salsa Verde Chicken Bake
Bright green salsa verde over tender cooked chicken, topped with a shower of melty cheese. This easy weeknight chicken dinner is a winner.
Servings: 4
Equipment
Ingredients
For the salsa verde
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro packed
- 2 garlic clove
- 5-6 large tomatillos peeled and rinsed
- ¼ cup lime juice
optional:
- 1 jalapeno stem removed
For the chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs breasts or thighs
- 1 cup shredded mild cheese
Instructions
Prep Ahead:
- Heat an oven to 400*F and arrange the tomatillos, sliced side down, on a sheet pan.
- Roast the tomatillos until they have softened and have begun to brown, then transfer to a blender or food processor.
- Add the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno if using and blend until smooth.
- Season the chicken liberally on all sides with salt and pepper.
- Line half the chicken at the bottom of an 8x8” casserole dish, then spread half the cheese on top.
- Layer the other half of the seasoned chicken on top.
- Pour the salsa verde into the chicken, gently pressing the chicken into it.
If freezing:
- Store the second half of the cheese for once the dish is baked.
- Wrap tightly and freeze.
Prepare From Prepped:
- Thaw the dish in the fridge overnight as needed.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350*F for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through.
Make From Fresh:
- Heat an oven to 400*F and arrange the tomatillos, sliced side down, on a sheet pan.
- Roast the tomatillos until they have softened and have begun to brown, then transfer to a blender or food processor.
- Add the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno if using and blend until smooth.
- Turn the oven down to 350*F.
- Season the chicken liberally on all sides with salt and pepper.
- Line half the chicken at the bottom of an 8x8” casserole dish, then spread half the cheese on top.
- Layer the other half of the seasoned chicken on top.
- Pour the salsa verde into the chicken, gently pressing the chicken into it.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350*F for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through.