Description
This Baked Salsa Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with taco spices, seared to golden perfection, then baked in salsa and topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro. It’s a simple, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, about ¾ packet)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Salsa and Toppings
- 1½ cups salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite kind)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with taco seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to build flavorful layers.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. The goal is to develop a crust; the chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Use the same skillet if oven-safe; otherwise, transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble Chicken and Salsa: Pour half of the salsa into the skillet or baking dish, spreading evenly. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top, then spoon the remaining salsa over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well coated.
- Bake Chicken: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Remove from oven, sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese over each chicken breast. Return to oven and bake an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the shredded cheese for any variety you prefer such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
- Serve this baked salsa chicken with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a full meal.
- Homemade salsa can be used for added freshness and control over ingredients.
- Ensure your skillet is oven-safe if opting to bake directly in it to avoid damage.
