Get ready for the most tender and juicy salsa chicken you’ve ever had! Baked on a bed of fresh tomato salsa and topped with melty cheese, this dish is bursting with flavor. The chicken soaks up all the zesty, tangy goodness from the salsa, making every bite a delicious mix of savory and cheesy perfection!

If you love these types of chicken recipes, you have to try my easy crock pot salsa chicken quinoa casserole for a hearty and nutritious twist. Also, don’t miss out on my crockpot salsa chicken tacos for an easy weeknight meal!

 

This super easy salsa chicken recipe is a fantastic protein option that you can incorporate into various meals throughout the week. It’s a timeless classic, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to keep things interesting. Trust me, you’ll be making this one on repeat, and it’s perfect for meal prep to keep you sane on those busy weeknights!

My kids absolutely love this Mexican chicken dish. They get so excited when they see baked salsa chicken on the menu because they know it means taco night! They enjoy shredding the chicken and stuffing it into tacos or making burrito bowls and topping them with their favorite ingredients. Baked salsa chicken has been a staple for ages and it has been a favorite on my blog for years. It’s just a spicy, saucy, and super-flavorful dinner that never disappoints!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts stay juicy, baked in flavorful salsa, absorbing all the flavors from tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and garlic. Incredibly simple and so easy to make, this baked salsa chicken is always the perfect recipe for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, homemade dinner.

What You’ll Need

When it comes to preparing this great recipe, having the right ingredients for salsa chicken is key to bringing out the rich, flavorful taste that makes this dish a family favorite. For full amounts and instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken breasts, but you can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I advise pounding down the chicken to the same thickness for even cooking. You can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
• Ground Cumin: You could also season the chicken breasts with taco seasoning. 
• Chili Powder: Provides a mild heat and deep flavor.
• Paprika: You can use sweet or smoked paprika.
• Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken to enhance the flavors.
• Chunky Salsa: Fresh salsa or your favorite salsa will add tons of flavor and moisture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melted topping. A mix of white and yellow cheddar is what I use, but you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.

How To Make Salsa Chicken

This easy salsa chicken recipe is a snap to prepare. If time allows, start with making your own homemade resturant style salsa. But if you want to use store-bought, that’s cool, too! 

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 375˚F.
2. Prep the chicken: Warm olive oil in a large skillet. Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season them on all sides.
3. Sear: Cook the chicken in the skillet for a couple of minutes or until browned all around.
4. Spread: Layer salsa on the bottom of a baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts on top of the salsa, and top with the remaining salsa.
5. Bake: Cook uncovered until the chicken is done.
6. Add cheese: Top with cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.
7. Rest: Remove from oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

You can shred the cooked chicken breasts, mix everything together, and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Then, we enjoy using this shredded salsa chicken for quesadillas, baked tacos, taco bowls, nachos, burritos, salads, casseroles, etc. Its versatility is endless and makes for delicious recipes throughout the week.

For an easy weeknight meal, pair the chicken with a big leafy green goddess salad or fiesta rice. For a lighter option, try serving it with coconut lime cauliflower rice—it always hits the spot!

Storing Leftovers

This salsa chicken recipe is a meal prep dream as it stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days, and you can even freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, or use the microwave.

More Baked Chicken Dinners

• One Dish Chicken Bake
• Caprese Balsamic Baked Chicken
• Chicken Breasts in Tomato Sauce
• Bruschetta Stuffed Balsamic Chicken