Easy Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Fresh salsa ingredients combined with tender, seasoned chicken and melted cheese make for a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced (or Roma or grape tomatoes)
• 1 medium white onion, chopped (or red/yellow onion)
• 1 large jalapeño, chopped (or bell peppers)
• A bunch of cilantro, chopped (or fresh parsley)
• Juice of ½ lime (or lemon juice)
• ½ tsp salt, divided
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced (or chicken thighs or turkey breasts)
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika powder (or smoked paprika)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic or garlic flakes)
• ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little oil. In a bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
2. Step 2: Mix the salsa fresca ingredients thoroughly so the flavors meld together.
3. Step 3: Place the diced chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Season with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili flakes, black pepper, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt.
4. Step 4: Toss the chicken to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
5. Step 5: Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the dish.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken and salsa mixture.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with extra cilantro before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika for a richer, smoky flavor.
• Swap jalapeño with bell peppers for a milder taste.
• Try fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for more intense garlic flavor.
• Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Use turkey breasts or chicken thighs as alternatives for different textures.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before dicing and cooking to ensure even baking and proper food safety.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and can be portioned for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Easy Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 185 reviews

This Easy Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a flavorful and healthy dish combining seasoned diced chicken breast with fresh salsa fresca topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner, it features a bright tomato mix with jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice baked together for a mouthwatering, juicy meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tomato Mix

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced (or Roma/grape tomatoes)
• 1 medium white onion, chopped (or red/yellow onion)
• 1 large jalapeño, chopped (or bell pepper for less spice)
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped (or fresh parsley)
• 1/2 lime, juiced (or lemon juice)
• 1/2 tsp salt, divided

Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced (or chicken thighs/turkey breasts)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika powder (or smoked paprika)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic/garlic flakes)
• 1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Tomato Mix. In a bowl, combine diced cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt, mixing thoroughly to blend the fresh flavors.
3. Season the Chicken. Spread the diced chicken breasts onto the prepared baking dish and season evenly with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, and black pepper.
4. Toss the Chicken. Mix or toss the chicken pieces gently in the dish to ensure all pieces are well coated with the seasoning.
5. Add Tomato Mix. Spread the prepared tomato salsa mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the casserole dish.
6. Top with Cheese. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tomato layer to create a delicious melted topping.
7. Bake and Garnish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with extra cilantro before serving.

Notes

• For a milder dish, substitute jalapeño with bell peppers and omit red chili flakes.
• Use smoked paprika for a richer smoky flavor.
• Chicken thighs or turkey breasts can be used instead of chicken breasts for different textures.
• Serve with rice, tortillas, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• This dish is gluten-free when using appropriate cheese and ingredients.

Keywords: Salsa Fresca, Chicken Bake, Easy Dinner, Mexican Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Baked Chicken, Fresh Tomato Salsa