Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single dish.
- Healthy: High in protein and low in carbs, fitting various dietary needs.
- Flavorful: Combines fresh salsa with seasoned chicken for a burst of flavor.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different proteins or vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeño, chopped
- A bunch of cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with oil.
- In a bowl, combine diced cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Mix thoroughly to create the salsa fresca.
- Place the diced chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Season with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and the remaining 1/4 tsp of salt. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the salsa fresca evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with turkey breast, tofu, or chickpeas for a different protein source.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Enhance the dish with bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Options: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend instead of mozzarella.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño or red chili flakes.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made salsa instead of making it fresh?
Yes, you can use store-bought salsa, but fresh salsa fresca enhances the flavor and freshness of the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient meals throughout the week.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, increase the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken bake?
Serve with baked sweet potatoes, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add a richer flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans can be added for extra fiber and protein.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are great alternatives.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a plant-based cheese substitute to make the recipe dairy-free.
Conclusion
Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that brings the zest of Mexican cuisine to your table. With its high protein content and low carb count, it’s perfect for those seeking a healthy meal without compromising on taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Print
Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a bold and healthy one-pan dish made with diced chicken, fresh tomato salsa, and melted cheese. It’s low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free, and ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt, divided
For the Salsa Fresca:
2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 large jalapeño, chopped
A bunch of cilantro, chopped
Juice of ½ lime
¼ tsp salt
Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or alternative)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and ¼ tsp salt to make salsa fresca.
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Place diced chicken in the dish and season with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, black pepper, and remaining ¼ tsp salt. Toss to coat.
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Spread salsa fresca evenly over the seasoned chicken.
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Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
Use pre-made salsa for convenience, but fresh salsa fresca offers the best flavor.
Try chicken thighs for richer taste.
Add black beans or veggies like bell pepper or corn for variation.
Use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
