Salsa Verde Chicken Bake (Printable Version)

A creamy chicken dish with salsa verde, melted cheeses, and crispy tortilla topping, baked until golden and bubbly.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Protein

01 - 625 ml shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)

→ Dairy

02 - 225 g cream cheese, softened
03 - 120 ml sour cream
04 - 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 100 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Vegetables and Herbs

06 - 120 ml salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
07 - 120 ml crushed tortilla chips
08 - 7.5 ml garlic powder
09 - 7.5 ml onion powder
10 - 7.5 ml ground cumin
11 - 120 ml chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a 23x23 cm casserole dish to ensure even baking and easy release.
02 - In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa verde until smooth and creamy.
03 - Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin into the creamy mixture. Fold in shredded chicken and half of the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, mixing thoroughly.
04 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the surface. Evenly spread remaining cheeses over the top, then sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips for texture.
05 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden crust. Optionally, broil for 2 to 3 minutes for added crispiness, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired to add brightness.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Using rotisserie chicken accelerates preparation. Broiling at the end creates a desirable crunchy top layer.