Scout's Salsa Chicken

"Scout's Salsa Chicken" is a bold and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender, seared chicken breasts with the vibrant zest of salsa, infused with smoky cumin and paprika. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and uses simple pantry staples like garlic powder and olive oil to create a meal bursting with Southwest-inspired flavors. Optional toppings like gooey melted cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime wedges elevate this dish for a customizable flair. Serve it over rice, with tortillas, or alongside steamed veggies for a hearty and satisfying dinner that's sure to impress. Easy, versatile, and packed with flavor, Scout's Salsa Chicken is destined to become a mealtime favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside (it won't be fully cooked yet).

Step 4

In the same skillet, pour in the salsa and stir to combine with the cooking juices.

Step 5

Bring the salsa to a simmer, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet.

Step 6

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking and cover to let it melt.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired.

Step 9

Serve hot over rice, with tortillas, or alongside steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1582.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1929.0

Total Fat 76.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 711.6mg	0%
Sodium 3626.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 56.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.5g	0%
Total Sugars 18.1g
Protein 250.9g	0%

Vitamin D 31.0IU	0%
Calcium 1075.1mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 3154.6mg	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: 35.8%

Protein: 52.3%

Carbs: 11.8%