Easy Baked Salsa Chicken

10m
Prep Time
30-40m
Cook Time
40m
Ready In


"This is an easy recipe but big on flavor and it doubles easily If you are in a hurry you may omit browning the chicken first, but I think browning the chicken produces much more flavor, you can even brown the chicken hours in advance or in the morning, refrigerate and then bake later as directed, and don't forget to serve topped with cold sour cream, this is what really "makes" this chicken!"

Original is 3 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (605.1 g)
  • Calories 778.2
  • Total Fat - 29.2 g
  • Saturated Fat - 15.5 g
  • Cholesterol - 256.1 mg
  • Sodium - 3247.7 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 22.7 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 5.7 g
  • Sugars - 11.9 g
  • Protein - 105.1 g
  • Calcium - 1134.7 mg
  • Iron - 3.9 mg
  • Vitamin C - 7.3 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.3 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Grease an 8 x 8-inch or an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Coat each chicken breast with about 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and a pinch of salt (if using). Heat oil in a skillet (use as much oil as you like) over medium heat add in breasts and brown on both sides.

Step 2

Place the brown chicken into a shallow baking dish (I use an 8 x 8-inch dish for 4 breasts). Pour the salsa over the chicken pieces.

Step 3

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is done.

Step 4

Remove from oven, sprinkle with the grated cheddar cheese; return back to the oven and bake for another 5-6 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Step 5

Serve topped with cold sour cream.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When selecting the salsa, choose a flavor that you and your family enjoy. You can also adjust the amount to your liking.
  • If you are looking to cut down on the fat content, you can use low-fat cheddar cheese for the topping.

  • Instead of taco seasoning mix, use a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and oregano for a more homemade flavor. The benefit of this substitution is that it allows you to customize the seasoning to your own preference and taste.
  • Instead of cheddar cheese, use Monterey Jack cheese. The benefit of this substitution is that Monterey Jack cheese has a mild, buttery flavor that pairs well with the salsa and other ingredients in the dish.

Mexican-Style Salsa Chicken Coat each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt (if using). Follow the recipe as instructed, but replace the salsa with a can of Mexican-style diced tomatoes with green chilies. Top with shredded Mexican-style cheese instead of cheddar cheese and serve with a dollop of guacamole instead of sour cream.


Fajita-Style Salsa Chicken Coat each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt (if using). Follow the recipe as instructed, but replace the salsa with a can of diced tomatoes with bell peppers and onions. Top with shredded pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar cheese and serve with a dollop of sour cream instead of guacamole.


Mexican Rice: Mexican Rice is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with this Easy Baked Salsa Chicken. It is made with long grain white rice, tomato sauce, and spices and is a great way to add flavor and texture to the meal. The Mexican Rice will help to balance out the spicy salsa and creamy sour cream topping of the chicken, making it a great accompaniment.


Black Bean and Corn Salad: Black Bean and Corn Salad is an easy and delicious way to add a fresh and flavorful side dish to this Easy Baked Salsa Chicken. The combination of sweet corn, earthy black beans, and tart lime juice makes this salad a perfect complement to the spicy salsa and creamy sour cream topping of the chicken. This salad is also a great way to add a nutritious and colorful side dish to the meal.




FAQ

Q: How long does it take to bake the chicken? A: It takes about 30-40 minutes to bake the chicken at 350°F.



Q: What temperature should I bake the chicken?

A: The recommended temperature for baking chicken is 350°F.

2 Reviews

Bergy

This is so easy and so tasty. I used Tex-Mex cheese instead of cheddar and skinless bone in thighs. The chicken is so moist and tender. This recipe will be made over and over again. Thanks Kitten for another of your wonderful recipes. 28 Apr 2017 This is so good! Moist tasty chicken. My friend loves cheese but not melted over meat or veggies so I just left 2 without cheese. I used skinless bone in thighs, Mexican Salsa (spicy) and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream - Great dinner. I have made this recipe before & will be making it again 3 June 18. MMMmm again Love this recipe. The chicken comes out so tender & Moist. I'm surprised it took me this long to make it again

5.0

review by:
(24 Feb 2014)

BrookeTheCook

This was amazing! Super easy and very flavorful - I had chicken thighs on the bone, so I had to bake mine much longer. Hubby loved and wants to be sure we make again!

5.0

review by:
(18 Feb 2012)

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Fun facts:

The taco seasoning mix used in this recipe is a blend of several different spices, including cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. It was first created in the 1940s by a California-based spice company, and has since become a staple of Mexican-style cuisine.

Sour cream is a popular topping for this dish, and is believed to have originated in the 1700s. It has been served in the courts of Russian Tsars and was a favorite of Marie Antoinette, who served it with her famous cake.