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Cheesy Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

Cheesy Baked Salsa Chicken features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of Mexican spices, topped with chunky salsa, and baked until juicy. Finished with melted cheese broiled to perfection, this flavorful dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.

  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Main Ingredients

  • 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups chunky salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well and set aside.
  3. Pound Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on a lined cutting board covered with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Cover with another layer and pound each breast with a meat mallet or heavy skillet to about 3/4-inch thickness for even cooking.
  4. Season Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of each chicken breast to infuse flavors.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour 1 cup of chunky salsa evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the salsa.
  6. Add Salsa Topping: Spoon the remaining 1 cup of salsa over each chicken breast to keep them moist and add flavor.
  7. Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165ºF using a meat thermometer.
  8. Add Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese over each chicken breast.
  9. Broil Cheese: Turn the oven broiler to high and place the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

  • To add extra flavor, consider using a Mexican cheese blend for topping.
  • Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, beans, or a fresh green salad.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 Minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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