Simple Salsa Chicken

Transform your weeknight dinners with this flavorful and effortless Simple Salsa Chicken recipe! Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, topped with your favorite salsa and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, then baked until irresistibly tender. This 35-minute, one-skillet wonder requires minimal prep and bursts with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Customizable to suit your spice preference—mild, medium, or hot—this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of brightness, and serve alongside rice, a crisp green salad, or steamed veggies for a complete, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights, this easy baked salsa chicken recipe is a guaranteed family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly golden, but not fully cooked through.

Step 5

Remove the skillet from heat and pour the salsa evenly over the chicken breasts.

Step 6

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on 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 is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve hot. Great alongside rice, a green salad, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1191.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1854.9

Total Fat 76.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 712.7mg	0%
Sodium 4497.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 31.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.4g
Protein 249.9g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 966.4mg	0%
Iron 8.8mg	0%
Potassium 2556.0mg	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: 37.9%

Protein: 55.1%

Carbs: 7.0%