Creamy Salsa Verde Chicken: Easy 3 Ingredient Dinner
This creamy salsa verde chicken is a simple, 3-ingredient dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for hosting, it features tender chicken breasts baked in a luscious salsa verde and cream cheese sauce that will impress your guests with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds (680 to 900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) salsa verde (such as Herdez)
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the salsa verde evenly over the chicken breasts. Use a spatula to spread it around so each piece is lightly coated.
- Cut the softened cream cheese into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Place these pieces evenly around the dish, nestling them between and on top of the chicken breasts. Do not stir or mix.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. The cream cheese should be soft and partially melted. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir the sauce, breaking up any remaining chunks of cream cheese. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the largest chicken breast. It should read 165°F (74°C). If not, return to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the creamy salsa verde sauce generously over each serving.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and do not skip the foil. If chicken breasts are thick, add 5-7 minutes of covered baking time. For extra sauce, increase salsa verde to 2 cups and use a full 8-ounce block of cream cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 40
Keywords: creamy salsa verde chicken, 3 ingredient dinner, easy chicken recipe, salsa verde chicken, cream cheese chicken, quick dinner, hosting recipe