If there’s one dish I can count on for pure weeknight magic, it’s Salsa Chicken! Bursting with flavor, quick to make, and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe takes saucy, cheesy chicken to crave-worthy new heights—all in one pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: Just layer everything in a dish, bake, add cheese, and dinner is done without fuss or fancy steps.
- Big Tex-Mex Flavor: Salsa Chicken is loaded with zesty salsa, bold spice, and melty cheddar in every bite.
- One-Pan Cleanup: Minimal dishes mean less time cleaning, more time enjoying your meal (and your evening!).
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters devour this—especially with that cheesy, bubbly topping!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salsa Chicken only needs a handful of everyday staples, but each one plays a big part in building bright, vibrant flavor and gooey, craveable texture. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves are perfect—they stay juicy and soak up all the salsa flavor.
- Taco Seasoning Mix: This shortcut spice blend instantly infuses the chicken with smoky, savory Tex-Mex notes—use store-bought or your favorite homemade mix.
- Salsa: Your favorite jarred salsa adds tang, a little heat, and plenty of sauciness; go mild, medium, or hot depending on your crowd.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar becomes irresistibly melty and golden as it bakes, finishing the chicken with a decadent, gooey blanket of cheese.
- Sour Cream (Optional): The perfect creamy, cooling topping—just a dollop tames the salsa’s heat and adds a luscious touch at the end.
Variations
One of the best things about Salsa Chicken is how easily you can make it your own! Feel free to swap, add, or play with different flavors and ingredients to suit your family’s favorites or fit dietary needs.
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican-blend cheese for extra melty goodness and a new flavor twist.
- Add Veggies: Scatter a handful of sliced bell peppers or corn over the chicken before baking for a colorful, nutritious boost.
- Make It Spicy: Use a spicier salsa or add minced jalapeños if you love a little kick!
- Dietary Adaptation: Go dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using your favorite plant-based alternative—Salsa Chicken is just as tasty!
How to Make Salsa Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Dish & Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—just a touch of oil or a spritz of nonstick spray will do. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer so each piece can soak up all that saucy goodness.
Step 2: Season for Maximum Flavor
Sprinkle taco seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken. This is where the magic happens! The spices give every bite a savory kick and pair perfectly with the salsa you’ll add next.
Step 3: Smother with Salsa
Pour the salsa right over the seasoned chicken, making sure each breast is blanketed. The salsa will mingle with the chicken juices as it bakes, creating a zesty, savory sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
Step 4: Bake Until Juicy & Tender
Bake the Salsa Chicken uncovered for 25–35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and incredibly tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the juices run clear and it’s no longer pink in the center.
Step 5: Cheese, Please!
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the baked chicken. Pop it back in the oven for another 3–5 minutes. When that cheese is bubbly and melty with irresistibly golden edges, it’s ready to devour!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Spoon a generous helping of sauce over each chicken breast. Top with a dollop of sour cream if you like, and serve piping hot—it’s dinnertime perfection!
Pro Tips for Making Salsa Chicken
- Choose the Right Salsa: Chunky salsa adds more texture, while smooth salsa gives a saucier finish—pick your style based on how you like your Salsa Chicken.
- Check Chicken Doneness: For juicier results, use a meat thermometer; chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).
- Shred for Tacos: Any leftovers? Shred the cooked chicken and use it for burritos, tacos, or quesadillas later in the week!
- Customize the Spice Level: Stir in a few chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce with the salsa if you want to turn up the heat.
How to Serve Salsa Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a handful of sliced green onions bring color and freshness to your Salsa Chicken. You can also add diced avocado, thin jalapeño slices, or a squeeze of lime for extra zing just before serving.
Side Dishes
Salsa Chicken is delicious over fluffy yellow rice, but it’s equally at home with Mexican rice, black beans, or even a simple green salad. Warm tortillas or crunchy corn chips are perfect for scooping up every last drop of that flavorful sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftover Salsa Chicken into loaded burrito bowls, stuff into soft tortillas for irresistible tacos, or shred it over nachos and bake until bubbly for your next game night. The possibilities for easy Tex-Mex feasts are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Salsa Chicken cool completely, then transfer it (sauce and all) to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready for quick lunches or another cozy dinner.
Freezing
This is a freezer-friendly wonder! Freeze cooled Salsa Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have a flavorful, ready-made meal on a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the leftovers in the microwave until hot, or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C). If the sauce has thickened, stir in a splash of chicken broth or salsa to bring everything back to life.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and are extra juicy. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time, so always check for doneness.
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Is it possible to make Salsa Chicken in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Add the seasoned chicken and salsa to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until the chicken is tender. Top with cheese just before serving for maximum meltiness.
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What kind of salsa is best for Salsa Chicken?
Any jarred (or homemade) tomato-based salsa works perfectly—choose your favorite heat level. If you like a chunkier sauce, opt for a salsa with diced veggies; smoother salsas make a thinner sauce.
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Can I prepare Salsa Chicken ahead and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken with seasoning and salsa in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Salsa Chicken is the kind of weeknight wonder you’ll return to again and again. It’s cozy, zesty, gooey, and guaranteed to bring big smiles to your dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll see just how simple (and scrumptious) life can be!
Print
Salsa Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
This Salsa Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with taco seasoning, topped with salsa and melted cheese, then finished with a dollop of sour cream. Serve over rice or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Salsa Chicken:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 4 teaspoons taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Place chicken breasts in the prepared dish and sprinkle seasoning mix on both sides.
- Add salsa: Pour salsa on top of the seasoned chicken.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the cooked chicken and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Top with sour cream and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 287
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 863mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 101mg
