Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake combining juicy diced chicken breasts with fresh salsa fresca and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-prepare baked dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, offering a delicious balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors all in one hearty casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salsa Fresca
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeño, chopped
- A bunch of cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/4 tsp salt (from the divided 1/2 tsp)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (remaining portion of divided 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 lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Make Salsa Fresca: In a medium bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well to create a fresh, bright salsa that will top your chicken.
- Season Chicken: Place the diced chicken breasts evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the chicken with cumin, paprika powder, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss or mix gently to coat all the chicken pieces thoroughly with the seasonings.
- Assemble the Bake: Spoon the prepared salsa fresca mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, covering the salsa layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with extra chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake.
Notes
- For a milder dish, remove seeds from the jalapeño before chopping.
- If you prefer a spicier bake, add more jalapeño or chili flakes to taste.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus flavor in the salsa fresca.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken casserole, Mexican chicken dish, easy weeknight dinner
Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/salsa-fresca-chicken-bake-recipe/
