Turn up the heat with this fiery and flavor-packed 4 Alarm Salsa Chicken recipe! Perfect for spice lovers, this easy-to-make dish features tender, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in hot salsa, layered with fresh jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, and chili flakes for an irresistible kick. Topped with melty pepper jack cheese and a finishing touch of fresh cilantro, this bold, oven-baked favorite is as satisfying as it is zesty. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a versatile meal that pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or a crisp side salad. Serve with lime wedges for a tangy twist that perfectly complements the spice. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe brings maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper on both sides.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle the diced jalapeños evenly over the chicken.
Pour the hot salsa over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully covered.
Sprinkle the chili flakes over the salsa for an extra kick of heat.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese over the salsa-covered chicken.
Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Calories |
1990 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.7 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.5 g | 178% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 712 mg | 237% | |
| Sodium | 4502 mg | 196% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.2 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 250.8 g | 502% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 981 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 2821 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.