Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Salsa Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned, baked with chunky salsa, and topped with melted cheese for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons taco seasoning
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 16 ounces chunky salsa (1 jar)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Cotija cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).
2. Step 2: Rub the olive oil and taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup of salsa into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the dish and pour the remaining salsa over the top.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and cotija cheese if using. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the salsa before baking.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier twist.
• Serve over rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
• Make it low-carb by serving with a fresh green salad instead of tortillas or rice.

Storage

Store leftover baked salsa chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to prevent the chicken from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165℉ (75℃), and the juices run clear. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method.

Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 86 reviews

This Baked Salsa Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts baked in chunky salsa and topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines Mexican-inspired spices with easy preparation and delicious results.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons taco seasoning
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)

Salsa and Toppings

• 16 ounces chunky salsa (1 jar)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• cotija cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and meld the flavors.
2. Prepare the chicken: Rub the olive oil and taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
3. Arrange salsa in baking dish: Pour 1 cup of chunky salsa into the bottom of a greased baking dish, creating a flavorful base layer.
4. Place chicken and add salsa: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the salsa in the dish, then pour the remaining salsa over the chicken, covering it.
5. Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
6. Add cheese topping: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
7. Finish baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro and optional cotija cheese over the top before serving for a fresh, tangy finish.

Notes

• Use fresh chicken breasts that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
• Choose a chunky salsa with medium spice for balanced flavor; adjust spice level to taste.
• The optional cotija cheese adds a salty, crumbly texture but can be omitted for a milder dish.
• If preferred, use other shredded cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: baked salsa chicken, chicken breast recipe, easy Mexican chicken, cheesy salsa chicken, weeknight dinner