Baked Salsa Chicken is full of flavour and, with just 5ingredients, it’s so easy to make. Tender, seasoned and baked chicken breast with salsa and cheese, this easy meal will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided
Equipment
Large frying pan or skillet (oven safe if possible)
Large baking dish (if skilet isn't oven safe)
Meat mallet
Box grater
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200C / 400F / 180C fan forced.
If using large chicken breasts, cut them into chicken cutlets first. Lay it flat on a chopping board, with your hand on top, use a sharp knife to cut through the thickness (or parallel to the chopping board) to create two thinner chicken breasts.
Place the chicken on a chopping board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over the top. Use a meat mallet or heavy saucepan to gently bash out the thicker parts so each is a similar thickness all over.
Sprinkle half the taco seasoning over 1 side of the chicken, flip and repeat, then rub in well all over.
In a large, oven-safe frying pan or skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned (don't force them to release from the pan if they're stuck. They will release when they are golden). Flip and repeat on the other side then remove from heat.
Push the chicken to one side and add roughly half a cup of salsa across the base of the pan. Place the chicken back on top, then pour the remaining salsa evenly over the top. If your pan or skillet is not oven-safe, just layer it up the same way in a casserole dish.
Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the chicken and place in the oven. Bake for around 18-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (about 74C /165F when sticking a meat thermometer into the thickest part).
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Notes
I use a standard Australian 20ml tablespoon (equal to 4 teaspoons).
DON’T use pre-shredded cheese. They are usually coated in additives to stop it sticking and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
If you want to save time or prep this recipe ahead, you can skip the searing process. While I love to sear them since it adds flavour and toasts the spices, it’s not necessary to still have a delicious dish. Just season chicken breasts in the spices and layer it up in a casserole dish the same way. Place it in the preheated oven when you're ready and they'll take a little longer to cook – say 25 up to 30 minutes.
Have you tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! I love hearing from you. Nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The brands you use may cause variations.