Barbara's Salsa Chicken

Bursting with bold flavors and effortless charm, Barbara's Salsa Chicken is a one-skillet wonder that brings the taste of Tex-Mex to your table in just 35 minutes. Succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika, then seared until golden and smothered in your favorite jarred salsa. A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese melts to gooey perfection in the oven, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish. Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy baked salsa chicken pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or a fresh side salad for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups jarred salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 4 pieces lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 5

Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated in the sauce.

Step 6

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salsa-covered chicken.

Step 7

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1585.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1979.3

Total Fat 77.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 712.7mg	0%
Sodium 6779.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 65.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.0g	0%
Total Sugars 25.3g
Protein 253.2g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 1084.5mg	0%
Iron 12.1mg	0%
Potassium 3551.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.3%

Protein: 51.4%

Carbs: 13.4%