Salsa Fresca Chicken
User Reviews
4.8
Salsa Fresca Chicken
Description
This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned evenly with mild spices including cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, providing a base flavor that pairs well with the fresh Pico de Gallo topping. The chicken is placed in a baking dish, covered with a generous layer of fresh salsa made of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos, then topped with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Baking at 375°F ensures the chicken cooks through completely while melting the cheese and allowing the salsa to warm and blend into the meat. The finished dish balances mild spice with fresh acidity and creamy melted cheese. Garnishing with chopped cilantro adds a bright herbal note.
Serve this chicken hot, fitting well with rice, tortillas, or a simple side salad. It suits gluten-free and low-carb dietary preferences, with an option to omit cheese for a dairy-free version. The recipe allows for variations in chicken cut and portion size while maintaining the core flavor.
Leftovers store well refrigerated up to three days or frozen for longer. Adjustments to spice level can be made depending on the salsa used.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups Pico de Gallo fresh
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese shredded
- Garnish
- cilantro chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
- Lay the chicken flat in a large baking dish and sprinkle evenly with the cumin, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Cover chicken with the pico then top with cheese.
- Bake on middle rack for 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165˚F.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- This naturally gluten-free chicken recipe suits low-carb and keto diets.
- Omit cheese to make a dairy-free version; verify salsa and spices for gluten content.
- Cutting chicken into smaller pieces or using tenderloins reduces cooking time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 171 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4oz chicken plus toppings | |
| Calories | 171kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 401mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 0mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 0IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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