Baked Salsa Chicken
Dive into the flavors of home with Baked Salsa Chicken, a dish that’s as inviting as it is satisfying. Imagine juicy chicken breasts enveloped in the vibrant explosion of salsa, bubbling away in the oven, while the aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. This recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and comfort, ideal for those hectic weeknights when you crave something indulgent yet easy. Baked Salsa Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a family pleaser that nourishes both body and spirit.
What’s Your Favorite Chicken Memory?
Do you recall a time where a simple meal brought everyone together? Perhaps a weeknight dinner that turned into laughter and stories shared over the table? Cooking Baked Salsa Chicken evokes such moments—its bright flavors and hearty goodness invite everyone to gather ’round, share bites and memories while the salsa dances atop gooey melted cheese. Can you imagine the satisfying crunch of comfort food meeting the deliciously spicy salsa?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Baked Salsa Chicken a must-try?
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Fast & Easy Prep: Just a handful of ingredients come together in a matter of minutes.
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Health-Conscious Delight: Packed with lean protein from chicken and the freshness of salsa, this dish is a nutritious option the whole family will love.
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Minimal Ingredients: With only a few key ingredients, you can whip this up without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family dinner, friends gathering, or meal prep for the week, this dish is always met with smiles and compliments.
Ingredients
To create this enchanting Baked Salsa Chicken, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces jarred salsa
- 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- Pickled red onions, for garnish
- Fresh jalapeños, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
As you gather these ingredients, let the beauty of each element excite your culinary senses. The vibrant colors of the salsa, the creamy allure of the cheese, and the refreshing notes of cilantro create an enticing spectacle.
Timing
This Baked Salsa Chicken recipe is designed for those who love the balance of fast indulgence and thoughtful preparation. With just 30-45 minutes from prep to plate, you can savor a deliciously comforting dinner without sacrificing precious time. Imagine immersing yourself in a luxurious meal without the slow-cooked wait; it’s all about instant gratification when savory and sweet collide perfectly.
Step-by-Step
Prepare for an alluring journey of flavors with these easy steps:
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, allowing the warmth to set the stage for an extraordinary dish.
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In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The spice blend is a fragrant hug for the chicken, amplifying its taste.
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Preheat a skillet over medium heat; allow anticipation to build as you prepare to sear.
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Slice each chicken breast through the middle to create two thinner pieces, ensuring more surface area for flavor explosion.
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Season both sides of the chicken with your carefully crafted spice mixture, enticing your taste buds with the aroma.
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Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and carefully place the seasoned chicken in. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned—imagine the sizzling sound enlightening your kitchen.
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Transfer the glorious chicken to a casserole dish and generously top with luscious salsa. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, approximately 15-20 minutes, envisioning it absorbing all the salsa goodness.
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For the grand finale, sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese on top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until melted, creating that gooey, savory pull that makes your heart sing.
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Garnish lovingly with pickled red onions, jalapeños, and vibrant cilantro. Serve with a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors!
Each step draws you closer to a plate filled with joy—transforming raw ingredients into a divine culinary experience.
Nutritional Information
Counting calories? There’s good news! Each serving of Baked Salsa Chicken is approximately 350 calories, offering a balanced meal without overwhelming indulgence. Packed with lean protein and delightful salsas, it offers a flavorful solution for those watching what they consume. Every bite is filled with nutritious wholesomeness that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it easier to enjoy a bit of decadence while keeping health in mind.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make Baked Salsa Chicken even more nutritious, consider these alternatives:
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Low-Sugar Salsa: Opt for a no-added-sugar salsa to control your sugar intake without missing out on flavor.
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Dairy-Free Cheese: Swap out the Colby Jack for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative to cater to dairy sensitivities.
By making simple substitutions, you can cater this delicious recipe to fit various dietary preferences without sacrificing satisfaction.
Serving Suggestions
While Baked Salsa Chicken shines on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience:
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With Rice or Quinoa: Serve it over a fluffy bed of brown rice or protein-packed quinoa for a complete meal.
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Topped on Tacos: Shred the chicken and pile it high on warm tortillas with favorites like avocado, lime, and extra salsa.
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Festive Feasts: Perfect for holidays or family gatherings, it brings a burst of color and flavor to any occasion.
Consider serving with a fun dessert to follow, perhaps an indulgent chocolate cake or a refreshing fruit sorbet to cleanse the palate.
Common Mistakes
To ensure your Baked Salsa Chicken turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
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Overbaking: Monitor the chicken closely; overbaking can lead to a dry texture. Aim for that perfect juicy finish!
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Ignoring the Temperature: Always check the internal temperature—165 degrees F is vital for safety and flavor.
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Messes in the Oven: Make sure to use a casserole dish that holds all the salsa to avoid spills that can lead to smokey kitchens.
Small adjustments in preparation can turn a good dish into an unforgettable one.
Storing Tips
Baked Salsa Chicken holds up beautifully if you plan to enjoy it later:
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Freezing Portions: For busy nights, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. This creates an effortless meal option at your fingertips.
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Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 375 degrees F until warmed through to keep that cheesy goodness intact.
With proper storage, you can relish this dish long after it’s initially prepared.
Tempt Your Taste Buds
With flavors spanning warm nostalgia and a hint of spice, Baked Salsa Chicken is calling for a spot in your dinner rotation. Whether for a cozy weeknight meal or entertaining friends, you’ll find that it melds deliciously into every celebration. Ready to dive into the gooey, cheesy goodness of Baked Salsa Chicken? Don’t wait—get those ingredients at the ready, preheat your oven, and let the delightful cooking adventure begin!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! Just remember to thaw them thoroughly for even cooking to prevent any cold centers.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it earlier in the day, store it in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve!
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to the chicken or salsa for an extra kick!
4. What if I don’t have salsa?
You can substitute with diced tomatoes, peppers, and spices to create a fresh homemade salsa.
5. Can I serve this dish in a different style?
Absolutely! Consider turning it into nachos by layering cooked tortilla chips, chicken, salsa, and cheese. Then bake until bubbly for a fun twist!
Now that you’re armed with this savory recipe and insights, get your apron on and make Baked Salsa Chicken for your next meal—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Baked Salsa Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with vibrant salsa and melted cheese, ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces jarred salsa
- 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- Pickled red onions, for garnish
- Fresh jalapeños, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Slice each chicken breast through the middle to create two thinner pieces.
- Season both sides of the chicken with the spice mixture.
- Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and place the seasoned chicken in, searing for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Transfer the chicken to a casserole dish and top with salsa. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Sprinkle Colby Jack cheese on top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with pickled red onions, jalapeños, and cilantro. Serve with sour cream.
Notes
Serve over rice or quinoa, or use shredded chicken for tacos. Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
