Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay even juicier than breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a few minutes longer to cook through. The same golden sear and internal temperature of 165°F applies.

My family doesn't like cilantro. What can I use instead?

Cilantro can be polarizing! Feel free to substitute with fresh parsley for a different but still bright flavor, or simply omit the herb altogether. A sprinkle of sliced green onions can also add a nice fresh finish without the distinctive cilantro flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

This is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting with a cold dish.

Is there a way to make this dish without an initial stovetop sear?

While the sear adds wonderful flavor, you can skip it if you're short on time or want to dirty fewer dishes. Simply season the chicken, place in your baking dish with the salsa, and add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. The dish will still be delicious, though it may not have quite the same depth of flavor.

Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Name: Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1½ tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade; about ¾ packet); Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; For Baking:; 1½ cups salsa (store-bought or homemade; any type); 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite kind); For Garnish:; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

This Baked Salsa Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a flavor-packed, protein-rich dish on the table in under an hour. The combination of zesty taco seasoning, vibrant salsa, and melty cheese creates an irresistible meal that’s both satisfying and simple. Trust me, this might become your new go-to dinner solution!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: With just 6 main ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even when you’re too tired to cook.
Quick Preparation: The actual hands-on time is only about 10 minutes – the oven does the rest of the work!
Amazing Flavor Payoff: The combination of taco seasoning and salsa infuses the chicken with wonderful Mexican-inspired flavors without any complicated sauce-making.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish – it’s flavorful without being too spicy (unless you want it to be!).
Versatile: Works with whatever salsa you have on hand and pairs beautifully with numerous side dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! They absorb all the wonderful flavors while staying juicy and tender.
Taco Seasoning: Provides that perfect blend of Mexican spices without having to measure out individual spices. Make your own or use store-bought for convenience.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors – don’t skip this basic but essential seasoning.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken, creating a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture.
Salsa: The magic ingredient that adds moisture, flavor, and a sauce all in one! Use your favorite type – chunky, smooth, mild, spicy – it all works wonderfully.
Shredded Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty topping. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack are all fantastic options.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the Mexican flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this dish? Here are some delicious options:

Salsa Verde Chicken: Use green salsa instead of red for a tangier flavor profile.
Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or use a hot salsa for those who like some heat.
Southwest Style: Use a black bean and corn salsa for added texture and flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Mix different types of cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco for more complexity.
Lower Carb Option: Use a fresh homemade salsa with no added sugar for a cleaner version.

How to Make Baked Salsa Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick better and improves browning). Season both sides generously with taco seasoning, followed by salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remember, you’re not cooking them through at this point – just developing flavor and color.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half the salsa into the bottom of your dish, creating a bed for the chicken.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Salsa

Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the salsa layer. Spoon the remaining salsa over each chicken breast, making sure they’re well covered.

Step 5: Bake

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish

Once the chicken is cooked through, top each breast with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Return to the oven for another 4-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Salsa Matters: Since salsa is a star ingredient, use one you genuinely enjoy eating – the flavor really comes through.
Even Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts vary in thickness, pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent that perfect melt. Shredding your own takes just a minute and makes a noticeable difference.
Don’t Skip the Sear: This step adds so much flavor through caramelization and helps lock in moisture.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute through the chicken.

How to Serve

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Mexican-Inspired Pairings

Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or refried beans for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Fresh Accompaniments

A simple side salad with avocado and lime dressing or corn on the cob makes for a fresh contrast.

Low-Carb Options

Serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.

Extra Toppings

Set out bowls of additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa, or pickled jalapeños for a customizable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this dish excellent for meal prep.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to one month. Perfect for those emergency “I have nothing to cook” nights.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave portions, but cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay even juicier than breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a few minutes longer to cook through. The same golden sear and internal temperature of 165°F applies.
My family doesn’t like cilantro. What can I use instead?

Cilantro can be polarizing! Feel free to substitute with fresh parsley for a different but still bright flavor, or simply omit the herb altogether. A sprinkle of sliced green onions can also add a nice fresh finish without the distinctive cilantro flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

This is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.
Is there a way to make this dish without an initial stovetop sear?

While the sear adds wonderful flavor, you can skip it if you’re short on time or want to dirty fewer dishes. Simply season the chicken, place in your baking dish with the salsa, and add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. The dish will still be delicious, though it may not have quite the same depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Salsa Chicken recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or countless ingredients. With its perfect balance of zesty seasoning, juicy chicken, tangy salsa, and melty cheese, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that fits into even the busiest schedules. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!