Description
This baked salsa chicken features tender, spice-rubbed chicken breasts cooked with chunky salsa and topped with melty cheese, creating a flavorful and easy dinner perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chunky salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika; mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Pound the chicken breasts: Place a large cutting board lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper, layer the chicken breasts in a single layer, and cover with another sheet of plastic wrap or parchment. Using a meat mallet or heavy skillet, gently pound each breast to about three-quarters of an inch thick for even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage.
- Prepare the baking dish: Pour 1 cup of chunky salsa onto the bottom of a baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Arrange chicken and salsa: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the salsa layer, then spoon the remaining 1 cup of salsa generously over each chicken breast.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the cheese topping: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Broil the chicken: Turn on the oven broiler to high. Place the baking dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Cheese options: Feel free to use Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend to suit your taste.
- Storing leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in a covered baking dish at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing instructions: Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa and cheese
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
