Baked salsa chicken. Yes, those are the magic words for an incredibly easy, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight dinner. I’m not kidding when I say this recipe has saved me countless times when I’m short on time and inspiration. This simple baked salsa chicken recipe brings a fiesta to your plate with minimal effort. Growing up, my abuela used to make a simple chicken stew with tomatoes and peppers. This recipe is a fun, modernized twist on that classic comfort food. It always fills our home with a yummy aroma!
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Why You Will Love This baked salsa chicken Recipe
This baked salsa chicken recipe is comfort food at its finest. It’s quick to prep, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal hands on time. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, infused with the delicious flavors of your favorite salsa. It’s so easy to prepare!
It’s versatile enough to serve in countless ways from tacos to salads to a simple protein packed meal with rice and beans. I love that it’s also naturally gluten free, so it caters to a wide variety of dietary needs. This baked salsa chicken is going to be a family favorite, and a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Follow us on Pinterest for more easy and delicious dinner ideas!
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Ingredients Needed for This baked salsa chicken Recipe
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 ounce) jar of your favorite salsa
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: Sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
How to Make This baked salsa chicken Recipe
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
- 3. Pour the salsa over the chicken, making sure each breast is well coated.
- 4. Sprinkle the black beans and corn evenly over the salsa covered chicken.
- 5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 6. Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken.
- 7. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 8. Let the baked salsa chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve This baked salsa chicken Recipe
This baked salsa chicken recipe is incredibly versatile! You can shred it and serve it in tacos or burritos with your favorite toppings. It’s also great served over rice or quinoa with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Other serving suggestions include: stuff into bell peppers, place on top of nachos, or mixed into a creamy salsa chicken casserole.
Consider serving the baked salsa chicken with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness. Try pairing it with my Coriander Lime Rice for a complete and delicious meal.
How to Store This baked salsa chicken Recipe
To store leftover baked salsa chicken, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Place it in a freezer safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Tips to Make This baked salsa chicken Recipe
- Use your favorite salsa! Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, the salsa you choose will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. I personally love using a chunky salsa with lots of vegetables.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in salsa for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before baking.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for added moisture and flavor.
Helpful Notes for This baked salsa chicken Recipe
If you are watching your sodium intake, use a low sodium salsa and rinse the black beans thoroughly.
You can easily customize this baked salsa chicken to your liking. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any other cheese you enjoy.
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the salsa.
Variation of This baked salsa chicken Recipe
For a creamy version, stir in a can of cream of chicken soup or a block of cream cheese (softened) to the salsa mixture before baking. This will create a richer, more decadent dish.
In the summer, try grilling the chicken breasts instead of baking them. Grill until cooked through, then top with salsa, black beans, corn, and cheese. Return to the grill just until the cheese is melted.
For a lower carb option, skip the corn and serve the baked salsa chicken over cauliflower rice.
How do you keep baked salsa chicken from drying out?
Basting the chicken with the salsa during baking helps to keep it moist. Also, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
What salsa is best for baked salsa chicken?
Choose your favorite salsa! Anything from mild to hot works well, depending on your preference. Experimenting with different varieties is part of the fun.
What side dishes go well with baked salsa chicken?
Rice, black beans, corn on the cob, or a simple salad are all excellent choices. You can also serve it with tortillas for a taco night.
Can I use frozen chicken for baked salsa chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken completely before baking for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can bake it from frozen, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time.
Conclusion
This baked salsa chicken recipe is a winner every time. It’s a flavorful, easy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I hope this recipe helps you create a delicious meal that your family will love. Give this baked salsa chicken recipe a try, and please let me know what you think in the comments below!