Baked Salsa Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner with all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dishes. Moist, tender chicken is seasoned with taco seasoning then smothered in salsa and plenty of ooey gooey cheese. The best part, this dinner takes just one dish, 10 minutes of prep, little cleanup, and is so good it's bound to become a family favorite.
It seems whenever I need a quick and easy dinner, I always reach for chicken. And somehow the recipes always tend towards Mexican chicken recipes. Favorites like Easy Chicken Enchiladas, Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos and Smothered Chicken Burritos are on my table at least once a month. This Baked Salsa Chicken recipe fits right into my quick and easy, reach for the fewest ingredients, weeknight rush for dinner too.
With just 5 ingredients and one dish, you can prep it in ten minutes and have it on the table in 45 minutes. The ingredients are simple everyday items that you generally have on hand, so no more stressing when you have to pop out a last-minute dinner. You can even change it up to suit your family's taste.
Variations and tips
- Make sure the chicken breasts you are using are of similar size and thickness so they cook evenly.
- Kick up the spice on the salsa as the salsa and chicken will release quite a bit of excess liquid diluting some of the flavor.
- Replace regular chunky red salsa with chipotle salsa, salsa ranchero, or even salsa verde.
If your family is small like mine, you might wonder what to do with the leftovers. No worries! This chicken salsa bake doesn't have to be eaten the same way twice! I've made it into lunches by adding it to quesadillas as well as topping taco salads. So you could say this dish is a quick and easy lunch too.
Ways to use leftover chicken salsa
- Soft tacos
- Nachos
- Taco Salad
- Quesadillas
- Burrito bowls
How to make this Mexican Chicken Recipe
OK, I said 5 simple ingredients are all you need and I meant it! Chicken breasts, as close to the same size as possible, taco seasoning, salsa, cheese, and lime juice. The cilantro is totally optional but makes a tasty garnish.
- Place a small amount of salsa in the bottom of a baking dish that is large enough to hold the 4 chicken breasts side-by-side with no overlap.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the salsa then sprinkle with the taco seasoning.
- Pour the remaining salsa over the seasoned chicken.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake. You can use as much or as little cheese as you like and basically any kind you like. I prefer cheddar or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake it for 35 minutes or until that cheese on the top is browned and all ooey gooey. Doesn't that just make your mouth water?!
This Baked Salsa Chicken comes out moist, tender, and so full of flavor that you just might want to double the recipe. Serve it with a side of roasted broccoli to make a healthy dinner that fits low carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free lifestyles. Or bulk it up with some of the serving suggestions below. Enjoy!
What to serve with chicken salsa bake
- Serve this chicken with sides of black beans or refried beans, and Spanish Rice (or quinoa) or Cilantro Lime Rice. You can also opt for roasted broccoli for a healthier side.
- Top it with all your favorite taco toppings like tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, olives, cilantro, and/or crushed tortillas.
More Easy Chicken Casseroles
Creamy Chicken Lasagna is a creamy, comfort food with layers of rotisserie chicken, ricotta cheese, and spinach all nestled in a creamy, ooey, gooey cheese sauce.
Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is simple to make with less than 10 minutes prep. Tender chicken is tossed with riced cauliflower, broccoli and bacon, swirled in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a warm, tasty weeknight dinner.
Southwest Chicken Casserole has a base of tortilla chips piled high with layers of saucy chicken, more tortillas chips, and cheese. Comfort food at its best!
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Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts or 2 large ones cut horizontally
- 1 ½ Tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups salsa drained
- Juice of ½ lime or 1 Tablespoon
- 2 cups cheddar cheese/Monterey Jack cheese mix or 2 cups of either one by themselves
- Garnish: chopped cilantro or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking dish with a nonstick spray.
- Place a small amount of salsa in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts on top of salsa in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with taco seasoning and squeeze lime juice over the chicken.
- Cover with remaining salsa.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and preheat broiler.
- Sprinkle baked chicken with cheese then place under broiler for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.
Notes
Variations and tips
- Make sure the chicken breasts you are using are of similar size and thickness so they cook evenly.
- Kick up the spice on the salsa as the salsa and chicken will release quite a bit of excess liquid diluting some of the flavor.
- Replace regular chunky red salsa with chipotle salsa, salsa ranchero, or even salsa verde.
