Salsa Chicken Recipe
This salsa chicken is so easy to make, with chicken breast that is seasoned, seared, then baked or simmered in your favorite salsa. Easy weeknight dinner!
Servings: 4
Calories: 538kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 medium-sized chicken breasts 6 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne optional, for spicier
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups salsa use a good chunky salsa, or use your favorite salsa
- 2 medium sized tomatoes diced (optional, for extra chunky salsa chicken)
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers diced (optional, for extra chunkiness and heat)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese optional, for a cheesy version - or use another melty cheese, such as Monterrey jack or pepper jack
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan to medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, basil, cayenne, cumin and salt and pepper. Sear them in the pan a couple minutes per side to lightly brown them.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Pour some of the salsa into the bottom of a large baking dish. Set the chicken breasts into the pan and cover with remaining salsa. Top with diced tomatoes and jalapeno peppers, if using.
- Bake the chicken for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches and internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly and serve.
FOR CHEESY VERSION
- Top the baked salsa chicken with shredded cheese and return to the oven. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted through.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly and serve.
CROCKPOT SALSA CHICKEN
- To make salsa chicken in the crockpot or slow cooker, season and sear the chicken breasts as above, then set them into a crockpot with the salsa, diced tomato and jalapeno pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken reaches and internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Serve as is, or you can transfer the salsa chicken to a baking dish, cover with cheese, and bake for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted through.
Nutrition
Calories: 538kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 66g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 1310mg | Potassium: 1014mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1985IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 382mg | Iron: 3mg