Description
Juicy and flavorful baked chicken breasts smothered in zesty salsa and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a simple, delicious meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Salsa and Seasoning
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for perfectly baked chicken.
- Season Chicken: Place the 4 chicken breasts in a baking dish and evenly sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to infuse the meat with southwestern flavors.
- Add Salsa: Pour 2 cups of salsa over the seasoned chicken breasts, coating them well to keep them moist and flavorful during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered for 25 minutes at 375°F. This cooking time allows the chicken to cook through and the salsa to meld its flavors into the meat.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the baking dish from the oven, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese over the chicken, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade salsa depending on your spice preference.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese.
- To ensure even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Cover the baking dish with foil if you prefer softer chicken breasts and want to retain more moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
