Salsa Chicken Bake (Printable Version)
Tender baked chicken topped with salsa, jalapeños, and plenty of cheese. An easy dish the whole family will love.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cheese
01 -
1 cup mozzarella, shredded
→ Salsa Fresca Topping
02 -
1/2 lime, squeezed
03 -
1/2 cup onion, chopped
04 -
2 cups Roma or grape tomatoes, diced
05 -
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped fresh
06 -
1/3 cup jalapeño, diced
→ Seasonings
07 -
1/4 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
08 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
10 -
1/4 teaspoon cumin, ground
11 -
1/2 teaspoon salt, split
→ Main
12 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Throw in more cilantro on top if you want. Dish it up hot and grab your favorite sides like tortillas, pasta, cauliflower rice, or even bulgur.
02 -
Pop the dish into the oven's center and bake for about 25 or up to 30 minutes. Take it out when the chicken's perfectly cooked through and isn't pink—165°F (74°C) works great.
03 -
Take the salsa fresca mixture and spread it right over the spiced chicken. Go ahead and pile on that shredded mozzarella last.
04 -
Toss the chicken pieces into your baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle on the cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, chili flakes, and the rest of the salt. Mix so everything’s covered nicely.
05 -
Grab a bowl, throw in tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and some salt (use just 1/4 teaspoon for now). Stir it up, then give it a break while you get the rest ready.
06 -
Get your oven warming to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, cut up the chicken breasts into smallish, even chunks.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Feel free to crank up or lower the chili flakes to match how spicy you like it.
02 -
Letting the chicken hang out in the seasonings before it bakes amps up the punchy flavors.
03 -
Whatever sides you've got—cauliflower rice, tortillas, or regular rice—this goes with just about anything.