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Mexican Chicken with Salsa and Cheddar Recipe

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4.2 from 53 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Description

This Mexican Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with garlic, cumin, and spices, then topped with fresh salsa and melted cheddar cheese for a quick, flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines stovetop searing with oven baking to deliver juicy, flavorful chicken with a cheesy, bubbly topping.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (or to taste)

Toppings and Cooking

  • 1 cup salsa (preferably homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat to get it ready for browning the chicken.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, garlic salt with parsley flakes, ground black pepper, and cumin. Coat each chicken breast evenly with this seasoning mix to infuse the meat with bold, Mexican-inspired flavors.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the heated skillet. Cook them until all sides are nicely browned and the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 10-15 minutes. This step helps lock in the juices and adds great color.
  4. Assemble for Baking: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts into a 9×13 baking dish. Evenly spread the salsa over the top of each breast, then generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the salsa layer.
  5. Bake to Finish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starts to brown. This finishes cooking the chicken thoroughly and melts the cheese into a savory topping.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought salsa, but homemade salsa adds a fresher taste.
  • Adjust cumin according to your spice preference for more or less intensity.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Serve with rice, beans, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
  • For a low-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and cooking spray sparingly.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/mexican-chicken-with-salsa-and-cheddar-recipe/