Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
810 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe
Description
This recipe involves coating chicken breasts with olive oil and taco seasoning before placing them in a baking dish layered with salsa. The salsa serves as both a cooking medium and sauce, keeping the chicken moist while infusing it with tomato, chili, and herb flavors. Baking at 375°F until fully cooked ensures a tender interior and sauce-infused exterior.
After initial baking, shredded cheddar cheese is added on top and melted in the oven, contributing creamy richness that balances the taco spices. The finished dish is garnished with fresh cilantro and cotija cheese, which add brightness and a mildly salty contrast, respectively.
This dish lends itself well to pairing with rice, tortillas, or salads, offering a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner option. The salsa base allows flexibility to use your preferred salsa type, adjusting the spice level and flavor profile to taste.
The notes include storage suggestions for refrigerating leftovers up to 3 days or freezing for 3 months, which can aid meal planning. Reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain quality.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons taco seasoning
- 4 chicken breast around 2 pounds total, boneless skinless
- 16 ounces salsa 1 jar, use your favorite salsa, chunky
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- cotija cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Rub olive oil and taco seasoning over the chicken breasts to evenly coated.
- Pour 1 cup of salsa into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts in the dish, and pour the remaining salsa over the top.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Top the chicken with shredded cheese and return to the oven, cooking for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Sprinkled chopped cilantro and cotija cheese over the chicken and serve.
Notes
- Use your favorite chunky salsa to adjust the flavor and spice level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through to 165℉ internal temperature before serving.
- Cheese can be substituted with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 810 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 810kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 84g | 168% |
| Fat | 51g | 78% |
| Saturated Fat | 28g | 140% |
| Cholesterol | 256mg | 85% |
| Sodium | 1243mg | 52% |
| Potassium | 867mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1249IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 1025mg | 103% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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