Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe
This Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a vibrant and flavorful oven-baked dish featuring juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of spices, topped with a fresh salsa made of cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, and lime, finished off with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Fresh Salsa
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeño, chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- ¼ tsp salt
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by spraying it with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Make Salsa Fresca: In a medium bowl, combine diced cherry tomatoes, chopped white onion, chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Season the Chicken: Place the diced chicken breast evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cumin, paprika powder, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt evenly over the chicken. Toss or stir slightly to ensure the chicken pieces are well coated with the seasoning blend.
- Assemble the Bake: Spoon the prepared salsa fresca mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra chopped cilantro before serving to add fresh aroma and color.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of jalapeño and red chili flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a full meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/salsa-fresca-chicken-bake-recipe/
