Julie's Salsa Chicken

Turn dinnertime into a fiesta with Julie’s Salsa Chicken, a quick and flavorful one-skillet recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin and garlic powder, then smothered in your favorite salsa and topped with melted cheddar cheese. The combination of bold flavors and simple preparation makes it a family favorite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy baked salsa chicken is ideal for pairing with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or steamed veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Don't forget to finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous flair! Whether you prefer mild or fiery salsa, this customizable recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on preference)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ground cumin.

Step 3

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

Step 4

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, ensuring they are fully coated.

Step 6

Cover the skillet with aluminum foil or a lid, and place it in the preheated oven.

Step 7

Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the oven, uncover it, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken.

Step 9

Return the skillet to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro (optional).

Step 11

Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1374.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1927.7

Total Fat 76.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 712.7mg	0%
Sodium 6790.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 44.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.3g	0%
Total Sugars 21.7g
Protein 253.7g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 1055.8mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 3613.7mg	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: 36.7%

Protein: 53.9%

Carbs: 9.4%