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Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 84 reviews

Baked Salsa Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of spices, topped with chunky salsa and melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe comes together quickly, delivering a hearty, comforting meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Main Ingredients

  • 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups chunky salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Garnish

  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
  2. Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to create a uniform seasoning blend.
  3. Prepare chicken breasts: Line a large cutting board with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer and cover them with another sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent mess.
  4. Pound chicken: Using a meat mallet or heavy skillet, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about ¾-inch. This helps them cook evenly and remain tender.
  5. Season chicken: Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides of each chicken breast to ensure full flavor infusion.
  6. Prepare baking dish: Pour 1 cup of chunky salsa on the bottom of a baking dish and spread it evenly to create a flavorful base layer.
  7. Assemble chicken in dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts over the salsa, then spoon the remaining 1 cup of salsa evenly on top of each piece.
  8. Bake the chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. Confirm doneness when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF using a meat thermometer.
  9. Add cheese topping: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of each chicken breast.
  10. Broil to melt cheese: Turn the oven broiler on high. Place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  11. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, use homemade or your favorite brand of salsa with chunks of tomatoes and peppers.
  • Feel free to swap out shredded cheese with varieties like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend.
  • If you prefer spicier chicken, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
  • Ensure even thickness of chicken breasts to promote uniform cooking and avoid dry or undercooked spots.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is safely cooked to 165ºF internally.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/baked-salsa-chicken-recipe/