Description
A quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner! This easy baked salsa chicken combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with bold salsa and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Fresh cilantro and lime for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour 1 cup of salsa into the baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom.
- Season chicken breasts with taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place them in the baking dish on top of the salsa.
- Spread the remaining salsa evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes to melt and bubble the cheese.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use a Meat Thermometer for Accuracy: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so this step is key for a juicy result.
- Customize the Salsa and Cheese: The type of salsa and cheese you choose will heavily influence the flavor. Opt for spicy salsa for heat, or a mild version if serving kids. Experiment with cheeses like pepper jack or a Mexican blend for added depth.
- Prep in Advance: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, simply pop it into the oven. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or hosting guests.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min