Skillet Salsa Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
324 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Skillet Salsa Chicken
Description
Skillet Salsa Chicken starts with slicing boneless skinless chicken breasts into thinner cutlets, then seasoning with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper before dredging lightly in flour. The chicken is seared in a skillet with butter and olive oil to develop a golden exterior. Chicken broth is added to the pan to deglaze and mix with a jar of salsa, creating a flavorful sauce. The chicken is returned to the pan, topped with additional salsa and shredded Mexican cheese blend, then baked until the cheese melts and the chicken cooks through. Fresh cilantro can be sprinkled on top for a herbaceous finish.
The dish offers a combination of crispy edges on the chicken with a moist, saucy texture from the salsa and broth mixture. The melted cheese adds richness that balances the mildly spicy seasoning. Oven finishing ensures the chicken cooks fully while melding the flavors together. Optional broiling can create a lightly browned cheese crust.
Skillet Salsa Chicken is versatile for serving with rice, tortillas, or a side of vegetables to soak up the sauce. Its method using a skillet and oven makes it straightforward for home cooks aiming for a saucy, cheesy chicken main dish.
If your skillet is not oven-proof, transfer the cooked chicken and sauce to a baking dish before the oven step. Using a meat thermometer can ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Adjust cooking times if chicken pieces are larger and thicker.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) salsa use your favorite kind, in jar
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend shredded
- cilantro to taste (optional, fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with the garlic powder, chili powder, and salt & pepper, then coat them in flour.
- Add the butter and oil to an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes/side until lightly golden. Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
- Add the chicken broth to the pan and scrape up any brown bits. Stir in the salsa.
- Add the chicken back into the pan and let the sauce start to bubble. Spoon some of the salsa over the chicken and sprinkle the cheese over top.
- Place the skillet in the oven and let it cook for 5-7 minutes (chicken will cook through completely and the cheese will melt). Optional: broil it for a couple minutes (watch it carefully).
- Serve with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Season with extra salt & pepper as needed.
Notes
- If your skillet can't be used in the oven, transfer contents to a baking dish or cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese on the stove.
- Smaller chicken breasts can be cooked whole, but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 324 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 324kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 106mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 1134mg | 47% |
| Potassium | 747mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 873IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 221mg | 22% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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