Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay even juicier than breasts. The cooking time might be slightly shorter, so check for doneness around the 15-20 minute mark.

What's the best cheese to use for this recipe?

This recipe is wonderfully flexible when it comes to cheese. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the salsa. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor punch, while a Mexican blend offers the best of both worlds. For something different, try pepper jack for extra heat!

Can I make this recipe without searing the chicken first?

While you can skip the searing step, I strongly recommend taking these extra few minutes. Searing creates a flavor-packed crust and helps seal in juices. That said, if you're in a rush, you can place the seasoned chicken directly in the baking dish with salsa and increase the baking time by about 5-7 minutes.

Is this recipe keto/low-carb friendly?

This recipe is naturally low in carbs, especially if you use a salsa without added sugar and limit the amount. To make it fully keto-friendly, check your taco seasoning for hidden sugars or make your own. The cheese and chicken are already keto-approved proteins and fats!

Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Name: Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1½ tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, approximately ¾ packet); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ cups salsa (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite kind); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

This Baked Salsa Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero – juicy chicken breasts smothered in vibrant salsa and topped with melty cheese. It’s the perfect combination of Mexican-inspired flavors that comes together in just 45 minutes with minimal effort. The chicken stays incredibly moist while soaking up all those delicious salsa flavors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive enough for company!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: Just season, sear, top with salsa and cheese, then bake! The oven does most of the work.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and melted cheese creates layers of flavor that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish in 45 minutes with only about 10 minutes of active cooking time.
Meal Prep Champion: Makes excellent leftovers and can be prepared ahead of time.
Family Friendly: Customizable heat level makes it perfect for everyone from spice lovers to those who prefer milder flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! They absorb all the wonderful flavors and stay juicy when baked in salsa.
Taco seasoning: Provides that signature Mexican flavor profile with just one ingredient. Make your own or use store-bought for convenience.
Salt and pepper: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and creating that beautiful golden crust before baking.
Salsa: The secret to keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Choose your favorite variety – the recipe is flexible!
Shredded cheese: Creates that irresistible melty topping. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh finish that balances the rich flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists on the classic recipe:

Salsa Verde Chicken: Use tomatillo salsa for a tangy twist.
Southwest Style: Use a black bean and corn salsa for extra texture and flavor.
Spicy Lover’s Version: Add sliced jalapeños on top or use a hot salsa.
Mediterranean Twist: Swap taco seasoning for Italian herbs and use a chunky tomato sauce instead of salsa.
Tex-Mex Supreme: Top with black beans, corn, and avocado after baking.

How to Make Baked Salsa Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick better). Season both sides generously with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, pressing the spices into the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t worry about cooking them through – they’ll finish in the oven.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Pour half of your salsa into an oven-safe skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top, then spoon the remaining salsa over each piece, making sure they’re well covered.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts – they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Once the chicken is cooked through, top each piece with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Return to the oven for 4-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
Cheese Matters: Shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded. It melts much better and has better flavor.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes after baking before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken.
Boost the Flavor: For an extra flavor kick, mix a little lime zest into your taco seasoning.

How to Serve

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Simple Sides:

Serve with cilantro-lime rice, Mexican rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Fresh Additions:

A simple side salad with avocado and lime dressing complements the warm, spicy flavors perfectly.

Complete the Meal:

Add black beans, refried beans, or corn as easy side dishes that enhance the Mexican theme.

Toppings Bar:

Set out additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa, and sliced green onions for a customizable dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better overnight as the chicken continues to absorb the salsa.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal prep.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave at 70% power with a splash of water to maintain moisture, or cover and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay even juicier than breasts. The cooking time might be slightly shorter, so check for doneness around the 15-20 minute mark.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?

This recipe is wonderfully flexible when it comes to cheese. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the salsa. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor punch, while a Mexican blend offers the best of both worlds. For something different, try pepper jack for extra heat!
Can I make this recipe without searing the chicken first?

While you can skip the searing step, I strongly recommend taking these extra few minutes. Searing creates a flavor-packed crust and helps seal in juices. That said, if you’re in a rush, you can place the seasoned chicken directly in the baking dish with salsa and increase the baking time by about 5-7 minutes.
Is this recipe keto/low-carb friendly?

This recipe is naturally low in carbs, especially if you use a salsa without added sugar and limit the amount. To make it fully keto-friendly, check your taco seasoning for hidden sugars or make your own. The cheese and chicken are already keto-approved proteins and fats!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Salsa Chicken is one of those magical recipes that proves incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant. Make this once, and I guarantee it will become a regular in your dinner rotation. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty salsa, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible!