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Healthy Salsa Verde Chicken Bake - Bright, Easy, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total)
  • Salsa verde: 2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Lime: 1 fresh lime (zest and juice)
  • Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (plus extra for serving)
  • Cheese (optional but recommended): 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Low-sodium chicken broth or water: 1/4 cup (optional, for a saucier bake)
  • For serving (optional): Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice, avocado slices, extra lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil, then coat both sides with the spice mix.
  4. Layer the dish: Pour 1 cup salsa verde into the baking dish and spread it out. Nestle the chicken on top.
  5. Add brightness: Zest the lime over the chicken. Squeeze half the lime’s juice over everything. Sprinkle with half the cilantro.
  6. Top with sauce: Pour the remaining 1 cup salsa verde over the chicken. If you like it saucier, splash in the broth or water around the sides.
  7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Add cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the chicken, and bake uncovered for another 8–12 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  9. Rest and finish: Let rest 5 minutes. Squeeze the remaining lime juice over the top and scatter on the rest of the cilantro.
  10. Serve: Spoon the saucy chicken over brown rice or cauliflower rice. Add avocado and extra lime if you like.