Description
Spicy “Easy Baked Salsa Chicken” brings zesty Mexican flavors to weeknight dinners with minimal prep. Quick protein-packed meal promises delicious results you can count on for a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cumin
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
- Salt to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) store-bought or homemade salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Warm your kitchen oven to a scorching 475°F (245°C), lightly coating a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a robust spice blend by whisking together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a small mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Carefully pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels, then generously massage the spice mixture into both sides of each piece, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Position the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer within the prepared casserole dish, then liberally pour salsa over each piece to provide complete flavor infusion.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and roast uncovered for approximately 40 minutes, allowing the high temperature to cook the chicken rapidly while condensing the salsa into a rich, concentrated sauce.
- During the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, extract the dish and distribute shredded Cheddar cheese across the chicken’s surface.
- Return the dish to the oven, switching to broil mode for 1-2 minutes to achieve a perfectly melted, golden-brown cheese topping – monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- After removing from the oven, allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving alongside rice, vegetables, or tortillas, and embellish with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, tangy sour cream, or zesty lime wedges.
Notes
- Opt for lean, boneless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Select a robust, chunky salsa with balanced heat levels to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, preventing overcooking.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for unique flavor variations.
- Customize spice rub intensity by adjusting chili powder and pepper quantities according to personal heat preferences.
- Consider low-sodium salsa and spices for a heart-healthy version of the recipe.
- Transform recipe into gluten-free option by verifying salsa ingredients and using certified gluten-free spices.
- Prepare extra spice rub and store in airtight container for quick future meal preparations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 100mg