Oven Baked Salsa Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinners with this Oven Baked Salsa Chicken—an easy, flavorful recipe that combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with the bold zest of your favorite jarred salsa. This one-pan meal comes together in just 10 minutes of prep, featuring a smoky blend of cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a perfectly spiced base. Topped with gooey melted cheddar or Mexican blend cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it’s a vibrant and comforting dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for busy nights, this baked chicken recipe is ready in under 40 minutes, pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad, and is customizable with mild, medium, or hot salsa to suit your spice level. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this gluten-free and protein-packed entrée is as versatile as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups jarred salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to create a seasoning mix.
Rub the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of each chicken breast.
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them completely.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
446 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.0 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 178 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 1096 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.8 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 62.6 g | 125% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 244 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 745 mg | 16% | |
*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.
