Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and meld the flavors.
- 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.
- Arrange salsa in baking dish: Pour 1 cup of chunky salsa into the bottom of a greased baking dish, creating a flavorful base layer.
- 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.
- 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℉.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Finish baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 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
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/baked-salsa-chicken-recipe/
