Salsa Smothered Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Salsa Smothered Chicken, a dish that brings vibrant flavors and cheesy comfort to your table in just 35 minutes! Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are perfectly seared, then smothered in a bold, smoky salsa and topped with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. This one-skillet wonder is finished in the oven for a fuss-free meal that's easy to prepare and bursting with zest. Garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of herbal freshness, this Mexican-inspired recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a simple green salad. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights, this salsa chicken will quickly become your go-to dinner favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon the salsa evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully covered.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the salsa-topped chicken.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1956 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 78.6 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.5 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 672 mg | 224% | |
| Sodium | 6287 mg | 273% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.8 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.0 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.9 g | ||
| Protein | 252.2 g | 504% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 996 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 2836 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.
