When time is of the essence, but the desire for a delightful meal remains strong, rely on Baked Salsa Chicken to deliver a delicious and nourishing experience. It’s the perfect solution for those seeking a homemade dinner that’s both convenient and utterly satisfying. Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and depth of flavors that await in this effortless culinary masterpiece.
Baked chicken recipes grant you the freedom to focus on other tasks while the oven does its work. With no worries about covering or tending to the chicken during the baking process, you can engage in other activities, knowing that a delicious meal is taking shape.
My husband’s uncle used to visit in the summer and make this dish every time. It was easy and quick. And depending on your taste for spice, you can use mild, medium, or hot salsa.
As the aroma wafts through your kitchen, your anticipation will grow. Only when the time is right, do you need to pause momentarily to check the chicken’s internal temperature and ensure it reaches the desired doneness.
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How to Make this Healthy Salsa Chicken Recipe
Healthy dinner ideas that the whole family can enjoy, not just the person on a special diet, is the perfect addition to our busy weekday menu. The best part is there is so much flavor. This can be served as a main dish the first day and as a whole new dish the next day.
Quick recipes that come together easily at the end of a busy day that are budget-friendly affordable meal options that won’t blow your whole grocery budget are perfect.
This really is almost a dump-and-bake perfect recipe. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 and it takes just a few minutes of prep.
Just place the chicken in a large casserole dish that has been prepared with cooking oil spray or the bottom of a casserole dish has had a bit of butter brushed in the bottom. This helps reduce anything sticking.
Season chicken breast that has been sliced thin on both sides. Add to the baking pan.
Next, place the sliced onion on top.
Add your favorite salsa on top of each piece of chicken.
Pour in the water and cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in a preheated 400 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 30-40 minutes.
When done, remove from the heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Should I bake chicken breast covered or uncovered?
While you never really have to worry about covering chicken while baking; however, covering it with aluminum foil helps lick in moisture.
It will help from foods becoming over browned or burned in the oven while baking.
However, if you prefer, you can bake chicken without covering it. It is easy to bake your chicken hands-free until done.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
Cooking chicken at 400 F rather than 350F will get the chicken cooked faster. However, baking at a higher temperature can cause the chicken breast to dry out. Therefore, if you want to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, bake at the 350F temperature.
However, you can also ensure chicken perfection at 400 F if you cover the dish with foil. This helps lock in the moisture for tender juicy meat and reduce the chance of overcooking.
What is the secret to baking moist chicken breast?
First, don’t over bake your chicken. As soon as the juices run clear, the chicken breasts are done. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices.
How to Serve Salsa Chicken
Make this ahead and eat the chicken as is with delicious and simple side dishes or use as a base in your favorite Mexican Food Style Recipe. The perfect easy recipe for a busy weeknight.
Make a double batch for serving one way this time and a completely different way the next time. It is one of those great recipes that makes an easy dinner a family favorite. Perfect for Taco Tuesdays meal planning.
Here are some creative ways to serve salsa chicken.
Soft Tacos: Take warm tortillas and fill them with flavorful salsa chicken, along with corn, beans, and any other desired toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, sour cream, green onions, olives, or guacamole. Roll them up for a delicious handheld meal.
Burrito Bowls: Create a satisfying burrito bowl by layering rice (or cauliflower rice) as the base and topping it with the salsa chicken. Add shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, sour cream, green onions, olives, guacamole, fresh cilantro, additional salsa, or salsa Verde, or any other favorite fixings to customize your bowl.
Quesadillas: Slice or shred the salsa chicken and use it as a filling for quesadillas. Add the corn and bean salsa as a tasty topping just before serving. Add shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Monterey jack cheese. Grill the quesadillas until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Taco Salad: For a lighter option, enjoy the salsa chicken over a bed of crispy romaine lettuce. Add additional favorite toppings if desired, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a drizzle of dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of salsa chicken.
These serving suggestions offer versatility and allow you to personalize your meal with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Feel free to get creative and add your own twists to make the dishes even more delightful.
Cooking Tips and Recipe Variations
Here are some options for the salsa chicken bake.
To reduce cooking time, you can cut larger chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating thinner pieces of meat. Thinner and smaller chicken breasts will be done in approximately 25-30 minutes, ensuring quicker meal preparation.
Recipe Variations:
Slow Cooker Method: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a Crock Pot and add the remaining ingredients on top. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The slow cooker will infuse the chicken with salsa flavors, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Cooking for Two: If you’re preparing this dish for a smaller gathering, you can easily adjust the recipe. Cut all the ingredients in half and use an 8-inch square baking dish for preparation. The cooking time will remain the same, ensuring that your salsa chicken turns out perfectly cooked, even in a smaller portion.
By following these tips and exploring the recipe variations, you can customize the cooking process to suit your preferences and needs.
What is a good side dish for salsa chicken?
When serving salsa chicken, there are several delicious side dishes that complement its flavors well. Here are a few options:
Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with salsa chicken. The savory rice infused with tomatoes, onions, and spices adds a wonderful balance to the dish.
Black Beans: Simmered black beans seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chili powder make a hearty and protein-rich accompaniment to salsa chicken.
Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and cook a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. The smoky flavors and charred edges add a delightful contrast to the salsa chicken.
Avocado Salad: Prepare a refreshing salad with sliced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro. Drizzle it with lime juice and olive oil for a bright and creamy side dish.
Corn Tortillas: Warm up some corn tortillas to serve alongside the salsa chicken. They can be used for making tacos or simply as a vehicle for scooping up the chicken and salsa.
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing made with lime juice, cilantro, mayonnaise, and a touch of honey. This crunchy and zesty slaw complements the flavors of the salsa chicken casserole.
Mexican Street Corn: Grill or roast corn on the cob and slather it with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled cheese like cotija. The combination of sweet corn and savory toppings is a fantastic addition to the meal.
Choose one or a combination of these side dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal alongside your salsa chicken.
How to Store Leftovers
Cool to room temperature and place in an airtight container. The salsa chicken bake can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the salsa chicken bake thoroughly. You can do this in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s heated all the way through.
Can you Freeze Salsa Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can freeze salsa chicken. Freezing can be a convenient option if you have leftover salsa chicken or if you want to prepare a batch in advance for future meals.
Here’s how you can freeze salsa chicken:
Allow the salsa chicken to cool completely before freezing. Divide it into individual portions or place the whole batch in an airtight container. If you freeze in the baking dish, make sure it is both freezer-safe and oven-safe.
When using freezer bags, squeeze out any excess air before sealing them tightly. If using containers, ensure they have airtight lids to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the chicken.
Clearly label the containers or freezer bags with the contents and the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the salsa chicken has been frozen and assists in maintaining freshness.
Salsa chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Beyond that, it may start to lose its quality and flavor.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen salsa chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once fully thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s heated thoroughly.
It’s worth noting that freezing salsa chicken may alter the texture slightly, particularly in the case of dishes with vegetables or other ingredients. The salsa itself may also lose some of its freshness after freezing. Nevertheless, freezing salsa chicken is a great way to extend its shelf life and have a convenient meal option on hand for later use.
Easy and Healthy Salsa Chicken Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts skinless and boneless sliced thin
- 1 Cup Chunky Salsa
- 1 Small Onion Sliced
- 1 Teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ Cup Water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a large casserole dish or 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half so they are about ½ inch thick. Season chicken breasts on both sides with seasoned salt and black pepper.
- Add the slices on onion on top of the chicken.
- Next spoon the chunky salsa on top of each chicken piece.
- Add the water to the pan and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the aluminum foil and continue baking until chicken is tender and juicy and the juices run clear, 20 minutes. Total time about 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. This will help keep the juices in the meat.
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You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.