Salsa Chicken: A Household Favorite
Description
Few dishes can claim the title of a household favorite as genuinely as this Salsa Chicken. Passed down to me by a dear friend, this recipe has become a staple in our home, celebrated for its simplicity, quick preparation, and the delightful burst of flavors it brings to the table. Depending on your palate, you can customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa. Typically, I serve this with Spanish rice and Mexican-style canned corn, making it a complete meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. This dish is not only quick but also caters to various dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Categories and Keywords
- Recipe Category: Chicken
- Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Mexican, Very Low Carbs, High Protein, High In…, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 267.5 kcal
- Fat Content: 12.5 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.7 g
- Cholesterol Content: 105.2 mg
- Sodium Content: 772.1 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 4.9 g
- Fiber Content: 1.2 g
- Sugar Content: 2.3 g
- Protein Content: 33.1 g
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For this delicious and straightforward dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 4-5 cups of salsa (adjust according to your heat preference)
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups of sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This temperature is ideal for baking the chicken to perfection, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
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Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. The size of the dish allows enough space for the chicken to cook evenly without being crowded.
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Season the Chicken: Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with a delightful blend of flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
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Add the Salsa: Pour salsa over the chicken, ensuring it covers all pieces evenly. Depending on your taste, you can use mild, medium, or hot salsa. The salsa not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during baking.
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Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. The chicken is ready when it is tender and juicy, and its juices run clear. You can check this by cutting into the thickest part of the breast.
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Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the baked chicken. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven. Top the chicken with sour cream if desired. This adds a creamy texture and balances the heat from the salsa. Serve hot, ideally with Spanish rice and Mexican-style canned corn for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
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Adjusting Heat Level: The choice of salsa is key in determining the heat level of this dish. If you’re serving this to a mixed crowd, consider using mild salsa and offering hot sauce on the side for those who prefer more heat.
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Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
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Adding Vegetables: For a more wholesome dish, consider adding bell peppers, onions, or even black beans to the baking dish along with the chicken.
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Leftovers: This dish makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this flavorful Salsa Chicken with some traditional sides to enhance the dining experience:
- Spanish Rice: The subtle flavors of Spanish rice complement the robust taste of the salsa chicken perfectly.
- Mexican-Style Corn: A side of canned Mexican-style corn adds a sweet and savory element to the meal.
- Tortilla Chips and Guacamole: Serve with crispy tortilla chips and creamy guacamole for an added crunch and freshness.
Aggregated Ratings and Reviews
This Salsa Chicken recipe has garnered a 5-star rating based on 217 reviews, a testament to its popularity and the satisfaction it brings to many households. Here are some excerpts from reviews:
- “An absolute hit at our dinner table! The chicken was so tender and juicy, and the salsa added the perfect amount of spice.”
- “I love how easy and quick this recipe is. Perfect for busy weeknights when I need to get dinner on the table fast.”
- “The cheese topping was a game-changer! Melty and delicious, it brought everything together beautifully.”
Nutritional Benefits
Apart from being delicious, this Salsa Chicken is also a nutritious choice. With high protein content and low carbohydrates, it fits well into various dietary plans, including low-carb and high-protein diets. The nutritional breakdown per serving ensures that you are consuming a balanced meal with controlled calorie intake, making it ideal for those monitoring their dietary intake.
Conclusion
Salsa Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create a dish that’s both delightful and nutritious. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward enough to ensure success every time. With its high protein content, low carbs, and the ability to customize the heat level, it’s no wonder this dish has become a beloved favorite in many homes. Give it a try, and it might just become a staple in your household too!
