Elevate your dinner routine with this Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake, a deliciously simple dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with zesty salsa and a medley of melted cheeses. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal not only packs a punch in flavor but also makes cleanup a breeze. The combination of spices adds depth to the chicken while the bubbling cheese creates a comforting, savory topping that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the recipe that brings together freshness and heartiness in every bite!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each weighing approximately 170 grams.
- 1 cup fresh salsa (store-bought or homemade), divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This guarantees that your dish will be cooked uniformly throughout.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Layer the Salsa: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour half of the salsa (1/2 cup) evenly over the top of the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the salsa-covered chicken. Then, pour the remaining salsa on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. This meal complements perfectly with rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake is a delightful fusion of flavors that promises to be a family favorite. With minimal preparation and maximum taste, this dish is perfect for those seeking a hassle-free dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Serve it up at your next family meal or gathering for a hit that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake
Indulge in this Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake, wherejuicy chicken meets zesty salsa and gooey cheeses. A perfect, easy dinnersolution that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, each weighing approximately 170 grams.
- 1 cup fresh salsa store-bought or homemade, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This guarantees that your dish will be cooked uniformly throughout.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Layer the Salsa: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour half of the salsa (1/2 cup) evenly over the top of the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the salsa-covered chicken. Then, pour the remaining salsa on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. This meal complements perfectly with rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad.