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

Description

This Baked Salsa Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with taco seasoning, seared to golden perfection, and baked in a bed of zesty salsa before being topped with melty cheese and fresh cilantro. A truly versatile recipe, you can customize the salsa and cheese to match your taste. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite!

Ingredients

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Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, approximately 3/4 packet)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Topping

1 1/2 cups salsa (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite kind)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking before your chicken is prepared.
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Generously season both sides of the chicken with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor. Use your hands to rub the seasoning evenly across the chicken for the best results.
Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear both sides of the chicken until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage—just aim for a nice crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Dish for Baking
If your skillet is oven-safe, you can bake the chicken directly in it. If not, transfer the chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the salsa into the skillet or dish, spreading it evenly. Place the seared chicken over the salsa, then spoon the remaining salsa over the top of the chicken.
Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Add the Cheese
Once the chicken is fully cooked, top each piece with an even amount of shredded cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the baked chicken for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes

For the best melt, shred whole blocks of cheese at home instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
Switch up the flavor of the dish by experimenting with different types of salsa such as verde, chunky, black bean and corn, or mango salsa.
Adjust the spice level to your liking by using a hot salsa, adding chopped jalapeños, or serving with a drizzle of hot sauce.
No extra liquid is needed in this recipe—the salsa releases enough moisture to keep the chicken juicy while baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 110mg