Pico de Gallo Chicken Recipe
This delicious and easy Pico de Gallo Chicken is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that brings the vibrant tastes of pico de gallo, fresh lime juice, and melted Monterey Jack cheese to tender, juicy baked chicken breasts. It’s a version of a dish I often order at a local Mexican restaurant, but I find that baking the chicken keeps it wonderfully moist. This recipe pairs perfectly with Spanish rice and beans for a complete meal, and it’s ideal for busy weeknights as it comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward yet full of flavor.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Pico de gallo | 6 servings |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Limes | 2 |
| Cumin | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 4-8 slices (depending on size) |
Nutrition Per Serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275.1 |
| Total Fat | 13.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2g |
| Cholesterol | 93.4mg |
| Sodium | 228mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 0.7g |
| Protein | 34.4g |
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Ensure the chicken is evenly spaced so it cooks uniformly. -
Season the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in with your hands or a brush to ensure even coverage. Next, add three-quarters of the pico de gallo over the top of the chicken, making sure it’s distributed evenly across each piece. -
Add Fresh Lime Juice and Spices:
Squeeze the juice from 2 limes over the chicken, adding a zesty, fresh citrus flavor that will complement the pico de gallo beautifully. Sprinkle the cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts, ensuring that all pieces are seasoned thoroughly. -
Bake the Chicken:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. -
Add the Cheese:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the dish from the oven. (You may want to drain some of the excess juices at this point to prevent the cheese from becoming soggy.) Place 1 or 2 slices of Monterey Jack cheese on each chicken breast, covering them entirely. -
Melt the Cheese:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is slightly bubbling. -
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with the remaining fresh pico de gallo. The fresh flavors of the uncooked pico de gallo add a lovely contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken. Serve immediately with a side of Spanish rice, beans, or your favorite Mexican side dishes.
Recipe Tips:
- Pico de Gallo: You can make your own fresh pico de gallo by combining chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. This adds a fresh homemade touch to the recipe.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for its creamy melt, but feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or a Mexican blend.
- Toppings: For extra flavor, you can top the dish with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or even a few slices of avocado.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. Store the cooked chicken breasts in airtight containers and reheat them throughout the week for an easy lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions:
- Spanish Rice & Beans: To complement this dish, serve it alongside classic Mexican sides like Spanish rice and refried or black beans. The rice helps soak up the flavorful juices, and the beans add a nice creamy texture.
- Tortillas: Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas for a more traditional experience. You can even slice the chicken and make it into soft tacos!
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the chicken.
This Pico de Gallo Chicken is perfect for both casual family dinners and more festive occasions. It’s full of fresh, zesty flavors, balanced by the creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
